*Fatshimetrie*
On August 30, the Kinshasa-Gombe garrison military court continued the public hearing of the trial of the alleged perpetrators of the “attempted coup d’état” of May 19 in Kinshasa. At the center of the debates, the defense of the defendants who took the floor to plead the innocence of some of them and demand their outright acquittal.
Among the defense lawyers, Me Richard Bondo, representing the American Zalmain, pleaded with conviction for the acquittal of his client. According to him, the death penalty requested by the public prosecutor against the defendants would not be in line with the offense for which they are being prosecuted. He emphasized that the death penalty was abolished in 2006 by the constitution, thus calling into question the relevance of this request.
Another point raised during the hearing concerns the Auberge Momo 19 hotel, which had hosted the defendants before their crime. The lawyers for this commercial establishment argued in favor of their acquittal, emphasizing the fact that they receive all customers without distinction, as long as they pay for the services offered. They explained that the hotel is not complicit in the acts of its customers as long as it is not aware of their malicious intentions.
The trial, which began on June 7, is entering its final phase with these defense arguments. So far, the majority of the defendants have pleaded not guilty, challenging the charges against them. The next hearing is scheduled for Monday, September 2, when the rest of the arguments will be heard.
The public prosecutor had requested the death penalty against the majority of the defendants for their alleged involvement in the coup d’état of May 19. This heavy request by the prosecution raises questions about the fairness and proportionality of the sentences requested.
In conclusion, the trial of the alleged perpetrators of the attempted coup in Kinshasa raises major issues in terms of justice and respect for the rights of the accused. The defense continues to argue strongly for the acquittal of certain defendants, highlighting the flaws and inconsistencies of the prosecution. This case shows the importance of fair justice that respects the rights of everyone, even in the most sensitive cases.