DRC: the opening of the trial of ex-Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo scheduled for October 25

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Former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo, in 2015 © AFP - FEDERICO SCOPPA

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2 min

The opening of this eagerly awaited trial, relating to embezzlement in the framework of the Bukanga Lonzo agro-industrial park project, is due to take place on October 25.

He is accused with the former Minister of Finance Patrice Kibeti and the boss of Africom Commodities of overbilling to the tune of more than 200 million dollars and of having embezzled for nearly 4 million dollars.

His defense considers it a political trial.

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We just got a hearing date, for a hearing that is set on it's unclear what charge, at this point. And above all, before a chamber which is apparently not at all competent to judge him, namely the Constitutional Court. While his case - assuming that he does not benefit from immunity - should have been tried by the Court of Cassation. So, in front of a clearly incompetent chamber and on a file that we did not understand, it will indeed have to be defended, so I plan to go before this Constitutional Court. It is an issue which is unfortunately emblematic of a serious violation of Mr. Matata's fundamental rights and freedoms. In the sense that he has been the victim, for several months, of quite political attacks,which are orchestrated under cover of a false judicial file. And the attacks have become of such importance that it seems important to me that it has an effective international defense.

Me Antoine Vey, lawyer for Matata Ponyo

Sonia rolley

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