The trial of Jean-Marc Kabund, national deputy and former interim president of the UDPS, resumed this Monday, August 7 at the Court of Cassation, in the city of Kinshasa. Accused of having made abusive and defamatory remarks during a press briefing, he faces multiple charges, including contempt of public institutions and the propagation of false rumors.
After his hearing by the Court of Cassation, Jean-Marc Kabund was placed in detention in Makala central prison on August 9th. Since then, his trial has been on hold, with the next hearing scheduled for Monday, August 14, where oral arguments will take place.
The remarks made by Jean-Marc Kabund during his press conference announcing the creation of his new political party, the Alliance for Change, sparked controversy. He strongly criticized the management of the country by the power in place, qualifying the Head of State as a “joke” and regretting having supported his candidacy for the presidency.
These declarations led the Court of Cassation to take measures and place Jean-Marc Kabund in detention. However, his lawyers and his political party, the Alliance for Change, claim that their leader is a “hostage” of power, highlighting the inconsistencies in the court’s decision.
Despite a decision by the Court of Cassation to place Jean-Marc Kabund under house arrest, no action has been taken on this decision, and he remains imprisoned in Makala central prison.
This case raises questions about respect for freedom of expression and human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some argue that the charges against Jean-Marc Kabund are politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissenting voices.
The course of Jean-Marc Kabund’s trial will be closely monitored by civil society and international observers, in the hope that justice will be rendered in a fair and equitable manner, with respect for the fundamental rights of the accused