Outrage as Human Rights Lawyer Remains in Prison

Human rights lawyer Marie Therese Nlandu remains incarcerated in a Congolese prison, despite a collapse in the prosecution case and her continued need for medical attention, a leading persecution watchdog has told Christian Today.

Mrs Nlandu was originally charged on 11 December with inciting insurrection and possessing illegal firearms as well as setting fire to the Supreme Court, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has said.

Although a civilian, Mrs Nlandu is being tried by a military tribunal in the Congolese capital Kinshasa. The military court adjourned on 31 January when three prosecution witnesses admitted in court that they had received money from the government to incriminate Mrs Nlandu.

When the court reconvened on 7 February, the prosecution played an interview in which they believed Mrs Nlandu had incited insurrection. However, observers claimed that in reality the interview showed Mrs Nlandu asking supporters of the 2006 presidential contender, Mr Jean Pierre Bemba, to remain calm.

To the defendant's consternation the trial was again adjourned until 14 February and Mrs Nlandu was returned to prison.

Such disarray in the prosecution case will only strengthen concerns that Mrs Nlandu has been detained for political reasons, CSW said. The charity's sources fear that the government either desires a guilty verdict resulting in Mrs Nlandu's execution or that she dies in prison as her health steadily deteriorates.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide's Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas, says: "Given the collapse of the case against her, it is unacceptable that Mrs Nlandu remain in prison, in such dire conditions and without adequate medical treatment.

"CSW therefore calls on the Congolese government to ensure her immediate and unconditional release. We also call on the international community and particularly the UN Mission to Congo (MONUC) to remind the Congolese government of its responsibility in the new democratic dispensation to respect human rights and uphold the rule of law."