DRC: opponent Salomon SK Della "is detained, arrested illegally", says one of his lawyers

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the lawyers of the opponent Salomon SK Della, arrested on May 30, 2023, assured that they had been prevented from meeting this relative of Moïse Katumbi. "Against all odds, we were blocked," says Christian Nkoy, who adds: "It is impossible for us to know the facts of which he is accused.

A view of Kinshasa, capital of the DRC (illustration image). CC 2.0/MONUSCO/Myriam Asmani

Text by: RFI Follow

Advertising

Read more

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), military intelligence prevented Kalonda's lawyers from meeting with him on June 1, 2023, according to them.

This relative of the opponent Moïse Katumbi was arrested on May 30, 2023 in Kinshasa as he was preparing to leave the capital.

The reasons for the arrest have not yet been communicated by the authorities. His lawyers denounce a "violation of procedure and the Constitution".

« Everything we have been told is unconstitutional »

« 

Mr. Salomon SK Della Kalonda was arrested and immediately taken to the military intelligence service, explained Christian Nkoy to our correspondent Pascal Mulegwa, at the exit of the headquarters of military intelligence. We introduced ourselves today. Unfortunately, and against all odds, we were blocked."

The lawyer assures: "The Constitution specifies that any litigant, or any person arrested by the justice, security services and others, must immediately be in contact with the family and / or his lawyers. Unfortunately, despite this advice that we are, we did not have this opportunity to meet him. We will be told that in front of these services, we cannot assist a client. Everything we have been told is unconstitutional, the Constitution in our country is violated, and so many other provisions, even international instruments.

He concludes: "Our client is detained, arrested illegally, it is impossible for us to know the facts of which he is accused while the Constitution says that when one is arrested, arrested, one must immediately know the facts for which one is arrested.

#RDC🇨🇩: The military intelligence service (Ex - Demiap) prevented, Thursday, the lawyers to meet @SalomonKalonda, strategic adviser to @moise_katumbi arrested since Tuesday in Kinshasa. They denounce the "violation of procedure and the constitution". pic.twitter.com/LTeSW5bstB

— Pascal Mulegwa (@pascal_mulegwa) June 1, 2023

Newsletter Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

Read on on the same topics:

• DRC
• Moïse Katumbi