The legal case involving Salomon Kalonda Idi, special advisor to opponent Moïse Katumbi, is experiencing new developments. The military court announced the postponement of its hearing until October 9 due to the deterioration of the health of the defendant, who was not able to appear.
Salomon Kalonda’s lawyers informed the court that doctors advised their client not to attend the hearing due to his worsening health condition. He was therefore transferred to a more specialized health center in order to receive the necessary care.
Maître Gérard Ledi, one of Salomon Kalonda’s lawyers, said: “The doctors considered that he was not fit to appear today for health reasons. The case has been postponed until October 9. Our client was transferred to a specialist hospital to receive appropriate care as his health condition further deteriorated.”
During the previous hearing, which was held on September 18, Salomon Kalonda’s lawyers had already contested the reports issued by the military prosecutor’s office and questioned the competence of the military court to judge a civilian such as their client.
The prosecution will now have to respond to the arguments raised by the defense team, before the military court issues its final decision in the case.
Remember that Salomon Kalonda was arrested on May 30 at N’djili airport in Kinshasa. Since his arrest, his lawyers have contested the accusations against him and questioned the legality of the procedure that led to his detention. Moïse Katumbi’s advisor describes this legal procedure as a “trial of shame” and the defense claims that it is a political plot aimed at eliminating a political opponent.
This legal case therefore continues to provoke strong reactions and draws attention to the independence and impartiality of the judicial system in the country. The postponement of the hearing also raises questions about Salomon Kalonda’s health and his access to adequate medical care.
We will have to wait until October 9 to know the outcome of this case and hope that justice will be done in a fair and transparent manner.