DRC: the president will look into the case of journalist Stanis Bujakera, on trial for 4 months
Congolese journalist Stanis Bujakera, arrested on September 8, 2023, is "
perhaps [...] rotting
" in prison because of the "
prevarications
" of justice, the President of the DRC estimated on February 22, 2024 , Félix Tshisekedi, who says he has decided to “
stick his nose
” in this matter.
Correspondent for
Jeune Afrique
, Stanis Bujakera has been on trial since October 13, 2023 for an unsigned article in this magazine implicating military intelligence in the death of an opponent, Chérubin Okende.
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[Illustrative image] President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Félix Tshisekedi arriving before the opening ceremony of the 37th ordinary session of the African Union (AU) Assembly at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa , February 17, 2024. AFP - AMANUEL SILESHI
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In the Democratic Republic of Congo (
DRC
), it looks like the beginning of a thaw concerning journalist Stanis Bujakera, correspondent for the magazine
Jeune Afrique
(
JA
) and the Reuters agency.
The Congolese reporter, in detention for more than 160 days and tried for an article published and unsigned in
JA
implicating military intelligence in the assassination of former minister Chérubin Okende, is said to be the victim of “
sick justice
”.
These are the conclusions of the country's president, Félix Tshisekedi, who was in front of the press, including our correspondent
Pascal Mulegwa
, on February 22, 2024 in Kinshasa.
Read alsoBujakera trial in the DRC: this case “seems increasingly motivated by political considerations”
The head of state promised to “
stick his nose
” in the case, while a new hearing is scheduled for this Friday, February 23 at Makala central prison in this case.
“
Because of their procrastination, perhaps this young man is rotting
”
“
Our justice is sick, even in the processing of cases
,” declared Félix Tshisekedi.
And I think he's a bit of a victim of that.
I really decided to put my nose into it.
I don't like doing that, believe me.
I swear: I have never called a judge, I trust them.
I simply insist that they say the law as it should be, so that our compatriots, finally the citizens, benefit from it.”
The president, who was
sworn in for a second term on January 20
, continues: “
I need justice that is correct, that is effective, because that’s how it is.
It is on this justice that we will build the rule of law that we want, so I want this justice.
Because of their procrastination, perhaps this young man is rotting.
I tell you solemnly: I have decided to stick my nose - at least for once - into this justice.
Find out more tomorrow because I will have the feedback tomorrow.
»
Read alsoTrial of reporter Stanis Bujakera in the DRC: the prosecution case does not hold up, according to a journalistic consortium
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