The case that is taking centre stage at the Kinshasa/Gombe Military Court continues its progress, with the trial of the failed coup d’état of 19 May. The 37 defendants are currently presenting the grounds for their appeals, seeking to demonstrate the alleged errors committed during the first trial.
During the recent hearing held at the Ndolo military prison, defence lawyers argued for a review of the verdicts, arguing that the decisions of the first judge were based on suppositions and not on tangible evidence. They vigorously denied any involvement of their clients in the alleged plot to overthrow the institutions.
In particular, the defendants recruited in the Kongo Central province stressed that they had joined Christian Malanga’s group in the hope of obtaining employment within an NGO to be created. They said they were victims of an illusory promise, far from any intention of participating in reprehensible acts.
Furthermore, the Kinshasa/Gombe Military Court recently ruled on the non-seizure of those acquitted in the first instance in this case. A decision taken after these defendants raised a procedural argument, arguing that the Public Prosecutor had only filed an appeal against the 37 convicted persons, thus excluding them from the appeal process. This group, nicknamed the “Chez Momo Hotel”, includes the owner of the establishment, her husband and their employees.
At the end of the first trial, 37 defendants were sentenced to death on various charges, including criminal association, attack and terrorism. Among them, Marcel Malanga, son of Christian Malanga, as well as other key individuals. Some were also sentenced to 20 years of penal servitude for illegal possession of weapons of war.
This complex case has sparked strong reactions among the public, highlighting the issues of justice and transparency in the Congolese judicial system. As the trial continues, eyes remain fixed on the development of the debates and the potential revelations that could emerge.