Title: Salomon Kalonda: A defense determined to reveal the truth and protect fundamental rights
Introduction :
The arrest of Salomon Kalonda on May 30 at N’djili airport in Kinshasa has raised many concerns and controversies. Accused of incitement to military disobedience, illegal possession of weapons and undermining the internal security of the state, Kalonda was detained in controversial conditions. Faced with these accusations, the defense of Kalonda, made up of Belgian and Congolese lawyers, recently organized a press conference to announce its steps to protect the fundamental rights of their client and to bring to light the truth.
Legal remedies to guarantee the rights of Salomon Kalonda:
Salomon Kalonda’s lawyers said they filed a detailed complaint with the National Commission for Human Rights (CNDH) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They call on the CNDH to demonstrate its independence by investigating Kalonda’s detention situation, taking investigative steps, and making findings regarding alleged violations of his rights. At the same time, an individual petition has been prepared and filed with the International Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, which has the power to take urgent action to protect Kalonda.
Accusations of violations of fundamental rights:
Kalonda’s attorneys raise numerous concerns about the legal process surrounding their client’s arrest and detention. They denounce the lack of access to Kalonda for more than 10 days for his relatives and his lawyers, as well as the holding of a hearing without the presence of his lawyers. They also point out that Kalonda was brought before the military court without the procedural guarantees provided for by law, although he is not a soldier. These alleged violations of his fundamental rights call into question the legality of his detention.
Growing concern for the safety of opponents:
Kalonda’s detention is part of a series of disturbing incidents targeting political opponents in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The travel ban on the President of the Together for the Republic party in certain provinces, the kidnapping of a provincial deputy and other acts of intimidation bear witness to an alarming situation. Kalonda’s lawyers point out that his arbitrary arrest and detention are part of this campaign of intimidation, endangering the safety of political opponents.
Conclusion :
The determined defense of Salomon Kalonda seeks to ensure that justice is served and that his fundamental rights are respected. The steps taken with the National Commission on Human Rights and the International Commission on Human Rights aim to shed light on the alleged violations of Kalonda’s rights and to request urgent measures for his protection