The functioning of justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently facing major challenges, particularly due to the negative impact of social networks on the investigation of legal cases. Populist discourse and the dissemination of false information via these platforms are creating tensions between the Ministry of Justice and magistrates, highlighting a profound divergence of opinions.
The Attorney General at the Court of Cassation, Firmin Mvonde, stressed during the 2024 judicial year-end ceremony that the presumption of innocence, a fundamental principle of law, was being called into question by comments from social media users. He warned against hasty judgments and populist discourse that sometimes unfairly discredit magistrates.
At the same time, the Minister of State in charge of Justice and Keeper of the Seals responded by stressing that criticism of populist discourse should be supported by concrete violations of the law. This opposition of discourse between government authorities and magistrates reflects a climate of mistrust and tension within the Congolese judicial system.
Faced with this situation, it is crucial to promote a constructive and respectful dialogue between all stakeholders. Lawyers, magistrates, and government representatives must work together to strengthen public confidence in the judicial system and guarantee the independence of justice.
Me Yves Kisombe, lawyer and spokesperson for the Minister of Justice, emphasizes the importance of respect for the law and the presumption of innocence for all actors involved in judicial cases. He calls for responsibility and rigor in the statements made on social networks, in order to preserve the integrity of justice.
Professor Léopold Kondaloko, president of the Kinshasa-Gombe Court of Appeal and delegate of the Autonomous Union of Magistrates of Congo (SYNAMAC), highlights the need for increased protection of magistrates against defamatory speech and personal attacks. He emphasizes the importance of preserving judicial independence to ensure impartial and fair decisions.
Joseph Kongolo, political analyst and coordinator of the Bureau of Study, Analysis and Support in Political Governance and Leadership, emphasizes the importance of finding a fair balance between freedom of expression and respect for judicial institutions. He calls for collective reflection on the challenges facing justice in the DRC, and proposes innovative solutions to strengthen the transparency and efficiency of the judicial system.
In conclusion, the issue of the impact of social networks on the functioning of justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo raises crucial issues in terms of the protection of fundamental rights, judicial independence and respect for the presumption of innocence. It is essential that the actors involved in the judicial system work together to address these challenges and ensure access to fair and impartial justice for all Congolese citizens.