In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the high-profile trial of journalist Stanis Bujakera opened on October 13, 2023 at Makala prison in Kinshasa. A correspondent for Reuters and Jeune Afrique, Bujakera was arrested on September 8 following the publication of an article in Jeune Afrique implicating military intelligence in the assassination of former minister Chérubin Okende.
Today’s hearing was quick, lasting only an hour. It took place at Makala prison, in a mobile session of the Kinshasa-Gombe court, and began around 10 a.m. local time. Present during the hearing, surrounded by his lawyers, Bujakera was also accompanied by diplomats and members of the international press.
Although the defendant’s summons was not formally given to Bujakera by the courts, the latter agreed to appear. However, the hearing was adjourned until next week to allow the defense to review the official indictment which has not been filed, according to Bujakera’s lawyers.
During this hearing, the defense also filed a request for provisional release and requested the release of detention, arguing that the 15-day deadline allocated by the peace court had been exceeded. Justice now has 48 hours to respond to this request.
This trial is attracting significant media and international attention, highlighting the challenges of press freedom in the DRC. Human rights organizations condemned Bujakera’s arrest and called for his immediate release. This case also raises questions about the role of military intelligence in the assassination of the former minister and about the freedom of expression of journalists who investigate such sensitive subjects.
It remains to be seen what the Congolese courts’ decision will be in this case, and what the implications will be for press freedom and the right to information in the DRC.