Human Rights Lawyer Dying in Prison amid Congolese Persecution

A prominent human rights lawyer and mother of four has been returned to a Congolese prison despite being gravely ill, Christian Today has been told.

The human rights lawyer, Marie Therese Nlandu, who was charged on 11 December with inciting insurrection and possessing illegal firearms, had briefly received medical treatment in a military hospital for a severe lung infection contracted while in prison, reports persecution watchdog, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

However, against medical advice, Mrs Nlandu was returned to Makala Prison, Kinshasa, before the course of treatment had been completed. Her health is reported to be deteriorating rapidly due to the poor conditions of her incarceration, CSW has said.

Although a civilian, Mrs Nlandu was due to appear before a military tribunal on 3 January; but the hearing was postponed until the 24 January due to her poor health. If found guilty, Mrs Nlandu could face execution.

Mrs Nlandu had originally travelled from the United Kingdom to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2006 to contest the country's presidential election. She was later retained by President Joseph Kabila's opponent, Vice President Mr Jean Pierre Bemba, to challenge the provisional results of the second round run-off, which were announced on 15 November.

However, after visiting the security service headquarters in Kinshasa to enquire as to the whereabouts of six of her male colleagues, she was detained. Mrs Nlandu was later charged with crimes linked to an attack on the DRC's Supreme Court on the 21 November, which occurred while she was already in police custody.

Sources have expressed fears that it may be in the interest of certain political forces for Mrs Nlandu to die in prison, and little appears to have been done to aid her condition. She remains in prison against the advice of local doctors and is reported to be "dying slowly".

Professor Noel Mbala, Mrs Nlandu's husband, spoke of his family's shock and distress, and stated: "I never expected such a thing to happen to Marie Therese."

Christian Solidarity Worldwide's Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas, says: "By denying adequate medical treatment to Mrs Nlandu, the DRC is in violation of it's obligation, under Article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to treat all prisoners with humanity and dignity. Moreover, the manner in which Mrs Nlandu has been treated calls into question the commitment of the Congolese regime to the guiding principles of the Cotonou Agreement.

"CSW therefore urges the European Union to hold Congo accountable, under this agreement, for any breach of the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Furthermore, CSW calls on the Congolese government to ensure that Mrs. Nlandu is granted immediate access to medical care and receives a fair trial before a civilian court so that accusations of political meddling can be laid to rest."