Murder of Minister Chérubin Okende: the family requests the participation of MONUSCO in the autopsy
In a case that shook the country this month, the murder of honorary minister and national deputy Chérubin Okende continues to arouse the interest of the Congolese population. While Congolese justice announced the performance of an autopsy last week, the victim’s family is now requesting the participation of forensic doctors from MONUSCO and three foreign countries, in order to ensure the objectivity of the conclusions of the autopsy.
The first Deputy Public Prosecutor, Bashonga Sita Serge Salvator, summoned Okende’s family for a communication. In a letter to the prosecutor, the family disagreed with having the autopsy carried out by local doctors only. It requests that forensic pathologists from MONUSCO and foreign countries take part in this procedure, in accordance with announcements made by the Congolese government.
The family says this measure is necessary to ensure factual findings and avoid any potential bias. She says she is ready to support the prosecution in the search for the truth about the circumstances of this crime, but wishes to be informed beforehand of the identity and skills of the forensic doctors who will carry out the autopsy.
The murder of Chérubin Okende deeply shocked the Congolese population and highlighted the persistent security challenges in the country. While awaiting the results of the autopsy, the relatives of the victim hope to be able to shed light on this case and that justice be done for Chérubin Okende.
In conclusion, the request of Okende’s family to involve foreign experts in the autopsy demonstrates the importance placed on objectivity and transparency in this case. The participation of forensic pathologists from MONUSCO and foreign countries could help reassure the family and the population about the impartiality of the autopsy conclusions. The Chérubin Okende case is being closely followed by the Congolese people, who hope that justice will be done for this tragically murdered politician