The Ituri Province Bar is currently making headlines. Since August 9, he has been observing “days without activities” in protest against the arrest of lawyer Christian Utheki by the military justice system.
This decision taken by the Ituri Bar aims to obtain the release of their colleague. They believe that his arrest constitutes a violation of his legitimate right to liberty. As a lawyer, Christian Utheki should be able to appear as a free defendant, without hindrance to the procedure. The Bar offers to vouch for its member so that he can respond to summonses from the public prosecutor while remaining at liberty.
According to information on site, lawyer Christian Utheki is being prosecuted for his alleged participation in an insurrectionary movement.
The President of the Bar, Me Joseph Letha, also expressed numerous complaints from his colleagues, who denounced the arrogant attitude of the Ituri military judicial authorities in the auditorium and in the courtroom.
Faced with this situation, the former provincial minister of the environment in Ituri, Jean-Marie Nyolo, called on the population of Bunia not to demonstrate in support of Christian Utheki. He expressed fears about the economic impact of such demonstrations in a context already affected by war and the precariousness of populations since 2017.
This case highlights the tensions between the Ituri Bar and military justice. It also testifies to concerns about respect for the rights of lawyers in the exercise of their functions. The Bar continues to maintain its position, demanding the release of Christian Utheki so that justice can be served in accordance with the fundamental principles of the legal profession.
It remains to be seen what the outcome of this situation will be and whether the Ituri Bar will manage to obtain the release of their colleague