Violation of the rights of defense in the Congo
The case of the murder of the former Minister of Transport and Ways of Communication, Cherubin Okende, continues to arouse strong reactions in Congo. This time, it is the lawyers in charge of the defense of Commissioner Nico Kabunda Ntambi and Papy Ngaka, respectively bodyguard and driver of Chérubin Okende, who denounce the flagrant violation of the rights of defense in this case.
Since their arrest on July 14, the lawyers claim not to have access to their clients, which constitutes an attack on the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Congolese constitution. They deplore the fact that they do not know if their clients are in good health, whether they are well fed or housed, and question the credibility of the records of hearings drawn up by the authorities.
Faced with this situation, the lawyers sent several letters to the public prosecutor at the Court of Cassation to denounce this violation of the rights of the defense. They ask that their clients be able to benefit from the legal assistance to which they are entitled and demand their access as soon as possible.
In addition, the family and lawyers of Chérubin Okende were invited to a working session with the prosecutor in order to discuss the methods of carrying out an autopsy on the body of the deceased.
This case raises many questions and raises concerns about respect for rights and the fairness of justice in the Congo. It is essential that the rights of the defense are respected in order to ensure a fair trial and to guarantee the truth in this murder case.
It is therefore essential that the Congolese authorities take rapid measures to remedy this situation and to guarantee respect for the fundamental rights of all the accused, so that the truth can emerge and that justice is rendered in a transparent and fair manner