DRC: 30 death sentences for "rebellion" and violence at the end of Ramadan
A pick-up on fire after the violence between Muslims and the police during the end of Ramadan prayer in Kinshasa.
© Pascal Mulegwa / RFI
Text by: RFI Follow
3 min
Justice did not drag in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after the clashes of Thursday, May 12 in Kinshasa on the occasion of the end of Ramadan against the backdrop of rivalries at the head of the Congolese Muslim community.
Clashes between members of this community and then with elements of the police who came to intervene.
About thirty people were then arrested and were brought before the judges.
As promised Thursday evening by the government, the Kinshasa – Gombe tribunal de grande instance launched a flagrance procedure this Friday, a whole day of instruction and a whole night of debate and pleading.
In the end, 30 of the 41 defendants received death sentences.
Only one received a 5-year sentence and 5 others were acquitted.
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With our correspondent in Kinshasa,
Pascal Mulegwa
The prosecutor remained firm throughout the hearing, which was broadcast on state television.
From the opening, this Friday in the middle of the day, he maintained that the defendants had behaved, "
as terrorists
", "they attacked the police," he added.
They "
hurt the Republic
" and the "
the nation was moved by vile deeds
" on a sacred day for Muslims.
Some defendants were identified via images broadcast on social networks and viewed in full audience.
The majority of them denied any involvement in the violence.
But according to the police officers called to the bar, the defendants were guilty of rebellion, for the simple fact of having resisted the summons.
"
Mass trial
"
The judgment fell like a chopper before sunrise at the courthouse: attempted murder, criminal associations, malicious destruction or even assault and battery.
On the other hand, the court declared itself incompetent to try five minors.
In the courtroom, the police brandished pieces of brick, sticks and stones that would have served as projectiles.
Objects that the defendants did not recognize.
Their lawyers have promised to appeal, some denouncing a judgment, "
complacent and unmotivated
" after a "
mass trial
".
►
See also: DRC: violence during the end of Ramadan prayer in Kinshasa
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DRC: violence during the end of Ramadan prayer in Kinshasa