DRC: opponent Jean-Marc Kabund placed under provisional arrest warrant

Jean-Marc Kabund, here in January 2019. AFP PHOTO/ Caroline Thirion

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The former leader of the presidential party who became an opponent of President Félix Tshisekedi was placed under a provisional arrest warrant and taken to Makala central prison.

Justice is prosecuting him in particular for "contempt" of the Head of State and public insults.

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa,

It was at the end of his second appearance before the general prosecutor's office at the Court of Cassation that Jean-Marc Kabund was placed under a provisional arrest warrant and taken to Makala central prison.

Justice is suing him for defamation, "insult" to the head of state, public insults and false rumors. 

The MP learned during his hearing that he was no longer covered by parliamentary immunity.

This had just been lifted in the morning by the office of the National Assembly.

The day before, he had refused to respond to a second summons from this office, which wanted to hear him.

Jean-Marc Kabund asked for him, the suspension of this procedure the time of the judicial hearings.

At the prosecutor's office, while the building was heavily protected by the police, the hearing was quick.

The deputy, who set himself up as a fierce opponent of President Félix Tshisekedi, came out surrounded by police, displaying a reassuring smile.

He was taken to prison under good escort.

Since his switch to the opposition, the former lieutenant of the regime has denounced the instrumentalization of institutions for the purpose of settling scores.

His lawyers denounce a violation of procedure.

As MP Kabund, they argue, their client should have been placed under house arrest. 

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