Political trial of Salomon Idi Kalonda: the NGOs ASADHO and Justicia Asbl denounce and demand his release
In a press conference organized on Saturday October 7 in Kinshasa, the NGOs ASADHO (African Association for the Defense of Human Rights) and Justicia Asbl strongly denounced what they describe as a “political trial” in the case between the public prosecutor to the opponent Salomon Idi Kalonda. Both organizations are calling for his immediate release.
Jean-Claude Katende, president of ASADHO, explained: “Our organizations examined his file and we came to the conclusion that instead of witnessing a legal trial, we are witnessing a political trial. We found that Mr. Idi Kalonda is the victim of a plot that was prepared a long time ago.”
The arguments put forward by the NGOs are based on several troubling elements. First, Salomon Idi Kalonda was arrested for illegal possession of weapons, but this offense was dismissed. Despite this, he was not released. Additionally, upon review of the file, it emerged that the Prime Minister’s Senior Advisor was involved, regularly sending messages and photos to Mr. Idi Kalonda, asking him for comments.
On Monday, October 9, the public prosecutor will have to respond to Salomon Kalonda’s unique defense brief. His case will then be taken under advisement for a judgment before ruling. The Military Court had already postponed the September 25 hearing due to the absence of the defendant, whose state of health was deteriorating according to his lawyers. The latter also contest the competence of the Court to try a civilian.
This case raises many questions about the impartiality of justice and raises concerns about respect for human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The NGOs ASADHO and Justicia Asbl will continue to closely monitor this case and denounce any breach of the fundamental principles of justice and respect for human rights.