The Kinshasa/Gombe Military Court recently opened the appeal trial on the attempted coup d’état in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This new hearing, which took place at the Ndolo military prison, attracted great interest and particular attention from the public.
During this first hearing, the Military Court proceeded to identify the defendants convicted in the first instance, while those who were acquitted but absent were tried in absentia, in accordance with the provisions of the military judicial code. The lawyers who had constituted civil parties for their clients were invited to comply with the requirements of the procedure.
The presiding judge reminded the parties concerned that no incidental appeal had been registered to date, which means that the defendants’ lawyers acquiesce for the time being in the first instance judgment. However, they have the possibility of filing an incidental appeal before the end of the debate, for an amount equivalent to double the initial costs.
The defendants who have appealed are seeking to have the sentences handed down at first instance overturned or reduced, as they consider them too harsh. Among those convicted are prominent figures such as Marcel Malanga, son of Christian Malanga, Tyler Christian Thomson, Zalman Pollum Benjamin, Nkele Mbuela Ruffin and military expert Jean-Jacques Wondo. Some were sentenced to death, while others were given 20 years of penal servitude.
At the end of this new appeal trial, the justice system hopes to shed light on the facts alleged against the defendants and to render fair judgments. The defense lawyers will do everything possible to defend their clients and prove their innocence, while respecting the rules of judicial procedure.
Thus, this appeal trial at the Ndolo military prison continues to captivate the public’s attention, highlighting the importance of the independence of the judiciary and respect for the rights of the defense. The final verdict will be eagerly awaited by all those involved in this case, in the hope that the truth will be established and justice will be rendered impartially.