ICC judges reject request to keep ex-Ivorian leader Gbagbo in jail

International Criminal Court judges on Wednesday rejected a prosecution request to extend the custody of former Ivorian leader Laurent Gbagbo, who was acquitted of charges of crimes against humanity.

Calling the prosecution case "exceptionally weak", judges said Gbagbo had given assurances he would return to the court if ordered to do so.

The decision paves the way for the speedy release of Gbagbo and co-defendant Charles Ble Goude from a detention facility in The Hague. (Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg; Writing by Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Catherine Evans)