ICC rejects prosecutors’ request to extend detention of former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo

International Criminal Court (ICC) judges on Wednesday rejected a prosecution request to extend the custody of former Ivorian leader Laurent Gbagbo, who was acquitted of crimes against humanity charges on Tuesday.The decision paves the way for the speedy release of Gbagbo and co-defendant Charles Blé Goudé from a detention facility in The Hague.Prosecutors have said they would appeal the International Criminal Court’s shock acquittal but cannot do so until judges have issued their full reasoning. The prosecution filed an “urgent request” saying that it “has determined that it intends to appeal … following the acquittals”.