Suspension lifted: the trial of Jean Marc Kabund resumes on August 14
After a one-year suspension due to a request for interpretation from the Constitutional Court, the trial of the former First Vice-President of the National Assembly, Jean Marc Kabund, will resume on August 14. This new hearing follows the preliminary investigation of the file which was held on August 6th.
Jean Marc Kabund faces 12 charges, including insulting Parliament, the Government and the Republic, as well as insulting the Head of State and spreading false rumors. These offenses follow a statement made by the former vice president during a press conference on July 18, 2022.
Since the beginning of the procedure, Jean Marc Kabund has been detained in the Makala Central Prison, despite a house arrest order issued by the Court of Cassation but never executed. His lawyers and his political party allege that he is a “hostage” of power.
It is important to underline that the political party of Jean Marc Kabund, the Alliance for the loading (A.ch), was excluded from the list of the 910 parties retained for the next elections, raising questions as to a possible political instrumentalization of his trial.
During this hearing on August 14, the pleadings will begin, with the Public Prosecutor trying to convince the court of the defendant’s guilt, while the defense will not let this attempt pass. The outcome of this trial will have important political repercussions.
It is to be hoped that this resumption of the trial will make it possible to provide clarification on the charges brought against Jean Marc Kabund and to guarantee a fair trial, respecting the principles of justice