Edouard Mwangachuchu’s lawyers withdraw from the case: a decision with serious consequences
In a case that is causing a stir, the lawyers of the defendant Édouard Mwangachuchu chose to withdraw this Friday, July 7, 2023. This decision comes during a hearing during which the validity of the QR and ID codes on the documents was to be examined. Covid test presented by the defendant during his stay in Rwanda.
According to the defence, a two-week postponement would have been necessary to allow Édouard Mwangachuchu to receive the appropriate care from the prison administration. However, the request was rejected by the High Military Court, which led the lawyers to take this drastic decision.
Me Thomas Gamakolo, one of the lawyers, said: “Under these conditions, we cannot accompany our client in this exercise. We are obliged to withdraw”. The defense criticizes the High Military Court for its lack of listening and its refusal to take into account the precarious health of Édouard Mwangachuchu, who underwent a major heart operation.
The lawyers stress the importance of respecting fundamental rights, including the right to health, and denounce the inhuman treatment inflicted on their client. They insist that despite the charges against him, the mental and physical health of Édouard Mwangachuchu must be taken into consideration.
The High Military Court also rejected two requests for provisional release, which would have allowed the defendant to receive treatment abroad. Edouard Mwangachuchu has already had two tension attacks which prevented him from appearing at the hearing, thus testifying to the deterioration of his physical condition.
Recall that the defendant is suspected of having links with the M23 rebels and is accused of treason, participation in an insurrectionary movement, espionage and illegal possession of weapons of war. These accusations follow the discovery of weapons of war in his residence in Kinshasa and in the premises of his company in Masisi, North Kivu.
This case highlights the persistent problems of the Congolese justice system and underlines the importance of ensuring that the fundamental rights of defendants are respected, even in cases as sensitive as this one. Hopefully steps will be taken to ensure fair and humane treatment for Édouard Mwangachuchu and all defendants in similar situations.