Redefining treason instead of espionage: Édouard Mwangachuchu’s defense takes an unexpected turn
In a surprising development, the prosecution has changed the initial charge of espionage against national deputy Édouard Mwangachuchu to reclassify it as treason. This decision provoked strong reactions from the defense of Mwangachuchu, who accuses the public prosecutor of wanting to incriminate their client at all costs.
Me Thomas Gamakolo, one of Mwangachuchu’s lawyers, denounced this attempt to reclassify the offence. According to him, the public prosecutor’s office having failed to prove the charge of espionage, should have simply asked for the acquittal of his client. He qualifies this decision as “very serious” and affirms that it demonstrates relentlessness against Mwangachuchu.
The defense is however delighted that the suspicions of a possible belonging to Rwanda of Mwangachuchu have dissipated, because he would have proved his Congolese nationality in an irrefutable way. This clarification appears to have significant implications for the ongoing trial.
Recall that Édouard Mwangachuchu and his co-defendant are accused of having links with the M23 rebellion. This reclassification of the prosecution could have a major impact on the course of the trial and the final outcome.
It will be interesting to follow the evolution of this case and to see how the defense of Mwangachuchu intends to deal with this new situation. Stay tuned for more information on this evolving file