Ivorian ex-president's supporters protest as Gbagbo trial opens

Emmanuel Altit (R) defense lawyer for former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo talks to prosecutor Fatou Bensouda as they wait for the start of his trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, January 28, 2016. REUTERS/Peter Dejong/Pool

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo pleaded not guilty to charges of planning post-election violence that left 3,000 dead, as his war crimes trial opened at the International Criminal Court on Thursday.

Hundreds of Gbagbo's supporters gathered outside as the hearing began, demanding the release of a man they say is a victim of neo-colonial meddling by former colonial power France.