3,000 people imprisoned for various offences have been granted presidential pardon by the Ivorian Government, CEOAFRICA.com gathered from Abidjan.

A statement issued by the government’s spokesman, Mr Bruno Kone, states that the pardon did not include political detainees and prisoners.

Also, Mr. Kone expressed reasons why the government decided to try Simone Gbagbo, former first lady, at Cote d’Ivoire, against International Criminal Court’s demand.

”The decision is based on the fact that Ivorian national courts are now rehabilitated, so Mrs Gbagbo is sure of a fair trial.

”At the time of Gbagbo’s transfer in 2011, our justice system was practically dormant, courts were destroyed, we were not sure of justice, even Gbagbo’s security was not guaranteed.”

Gbagbo, Simone and his son, Michel, were arrested, following the violence that erupted, due to a disputed presidential election between him and President Alassane Ouattara.

Michel was among 14 supporters of the former president, granted provisional release by the Ivorian judiciary last month.