The Kinshasa-Gombe High Court opened on Friday October 13 the trial of journalist Stanislas Bujakera Tshiamala, detained for more than a month. The charges against him were served and the court postponed the hearing until next Friday, at the request of the defense who wishes to examine the case. In the next 48 hours, the court will also have to respond to the journalist’s request for provisional release.
The public prosecutor said that “we are pursuing a forger and not a journalist.” A statement to which Me Charles Mushizi, Stanislas Bujakera’s lawyer, responded, emphasizing that the public prosecutor does not specify when the journalist would have renounced his status as a journalist. The lawyer also denounced the irregularity of his client’s detention, emphasizing that the detention order had expired more than 20 days ago.
Several diplomats attended the hearing, testifying to the importance of this trial.
Stanislas Bujakera is being prosecuted for six alleged offenses, including forgery and falsification of the seal of the ANR internal security department, the use of a counterfeit seal in opposition to the report on the assassination of Chérubin Okende, and the propagation knowingly making false noises.
This trial highlights the situation of journalists in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raises questions about press freedom in the country. It is essential to guarantee fair treatment of journalists and to respect the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
It is crucial to follow this case closely and continue to defend the rights of journalists everywhere. Press freedom is a pillar of democracy and must be protected in all circumstances.