Title: Highlighting the worrying conditions of detention of Papy Nkanga and Nico Kabund, lawyer testifies
Introduction :
The situation of detainees Papy Nkanga and Nico Kabund, respectively driver and bodyguard of former national deputy and transport minister Cherubin Okende, continues to raise concerns about respect for the right to defense in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lawyer for these two men, Maitre Jules Bongombe, recently expressed his concern about the length and conditions of their detention. In a statement given to ACTUALITE.CD, he stresses that the right of defense is not respected, despite the clear provisions of article 19 of the Congolese Constitution.
A violated right of defense:
Master Jules Bongombe points out that despite his efforts, he has not been able to get in touch with his clients so far. He explains that when he goes to IPKIN, he sees them from afar when they go out to eat, but he is not allowed to be in direct contact with them. This situation seems to contradict the right of defence, as provided for in article 19 of the Congolese Constitution, which guarantees any person arrested the right to be assisted by a lawyer from the first stages of the procedure.
Maître Bongombe therefore calls for the strict application of this article and for better consideration of the right of defense for his clients. He considers that the current investigation procedure is irregular, as it does not respect the fundamental rights of the defendants. He insists on the fact that Papy Nkanga and Nico Kabund are presumed innocent and that they should be able to benefit from the assistance of their lawyers from the start of the procedure.
Awaiting the results of the investigation:
Since the murder of Cherubin Okende, Congolese justice has opened an investigation, but the results are still awaited. The autopsy of the body was carried out in the presence of Belgian, South African and MONUSCO experts, in agreement with the family of the deceased. However, the progress of the investigation remains unclear and the conditions of detention of the suspects raise fears as to their respect for the rights of the defence.
Conclusion :
The Papy Nkanga and Nico Kabund case highlights persistent concerns about respect for the right to defense in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lawyer for the defendants denounces an irregular procedure and insists on the strict application of article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to legal assistance from the first stages of the procedure. It is essential that the Congolese authorities take these concerns into account and ensure that the right of each individual to a fair defense is fully respected