The arrest of Christian Utheki, president of the G5, a structure that brings together communities victims of killings by armed groups, sparked a strong reaction. The G5 called this arrest arbitrary and demanded the immediate release of their president.
According to information provided by the Military Advocate General, Christian Utheki was arrested in execution of an arrest warrant linked to his alleged participation in an insurrectionary movement. However, the G5 disputes this accusation and denounces the unfairness of this arrest.
The vice-president of the G5 in Ituri, Vital Tungulo, condemns this step and affirms that Christian Utheki is a respected lawyer who does not represent any danger of flight. He therefore calls for his immediate release, stressing that this arrest follows numerous denunciations of their structure.
The G5, as an advocacy group for communities affected by armed violence, plays a crucial role in seeking justice and redress for the atrocities committed in the region. The arrest of their president therefore raises concerns about the continuity of their work and the protection of victims.
This situation also highlights the need to ensure respect for fundamental rights and due process when it comes to legal proceedings. It is essential that all parties involved benefit from a fair trial and a presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The G5 will continue to press for the release of Christian Utheki and to defend the rights of communities affected by armed violence. This arrest will only strengthen their determination to fight against impunity and to work for justice in the region.
It is important that the international community remain vigilant to the current situation and support initiatives aimed at protecting human rights and ensuring justice for the victims of armed violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo