AKIPRESS.COM - The former first lady of Côte d'Ivoire, Simone Gbagbo, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on charges of undermining state security for her role in the country's unrest following the 2010 elections, BBC reported Tuesday.

President Laurent Gbagbo and his wife were arrested in 2011 in the capital Abidjan, after he refused to leave office despite losing the 2010 elections.

Simone Gbagbo, dubbed the "Iron Lady" by the media, was also accused of organizing armed gangs and disturbing the public order, the British broadcaster reported.

Laurent Gbagbo is currently awaiting International Criminal Court trial, accused of murder, rape and persecution.

More than 3,000 people died during the months of violent unrest following the elections, according to BBC.