Gbagbo appears before ICC

THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo exercised authority over post-election violence in the country he knew could amount to crimes, the ICC said Monday.

Gbagbo appeared before the International Criminal Court for a preliminary hearing Monday. His appearance marks the first time a head of state has appeared before the court.

Gbagbo during the preliminary hearing confirmed his identity to the court and ensured the ICC judges he was informed of the charges brought against him.

The former Ivorian president was taken to The Hague last week on an arrest warrant carried out by Ivorian leaders. The ICC alleges Gbagbo and members of his inner circle knew their actions were considered crimes by the international court. He, "together with others, allegedly exercised joint control over the crimes, and made a coordinated and essential contribution to the realization of the plan, the court stated.

Gbagbo refused to surrender power after the international community recognized rival candidate Alassane Ouattara as the winner of a November 2010 election. The election was meant to unite a country divided by civil war in 2003 but thousands were killed and many more replaced in post-election political violence.

Gbagbo faces formal trial in June. Rights groups accuse both sides of post-election atrocities.

Ivorians next week vote in elections for their legislative assembly.