(JED/IFEX) – In its hearing on 28 August 2000, the Court of Military Order (Cour d’ordre militaire, COM) announced, through the prosecution, represented by military prosecutor Ntsinu Pokata, that “two arrest warrants were issued on 25 August 2000 against Mr. Mankenda Voka, publisher of the daily ‘L’Observateur’, and Mr. Pius Muabilu Mukala of ‘L’Avenir’ [who […]
(JED/IFEX) – In its hearing on 28 August 2000, the Court of Military Order (Cour d’ordre militaire, COM) announced, through the prosecution, represented by military prosecutor Ntsinu Pokata, that “two arrest warrants were issued on 25 August 2000 against Mr. Mankenda Voka, publisher of the daily ‘L’Observateur’, and Mr. Pius Muabilu Mukala of ‘L’Avenir’ [who was recently named member of parliament by the head of state], for refusing to appear before the Court”.
Representatives of these two pro-government dailies were summoned as witnesses by Nicolas Katako, who accuses them of leading the campaign to discredit him and his wife, who is a minister in the current government. According to Katako, the court based its accusations against him on articles which appeared in their dailies.
The COM also rejected the defence lawyers’ request for the provisional release of Aimé Kakese Vinalu and Jean-Pierre Mukuna Ekanga, because of “insufficient guarantees that the accused would not flee”.
The next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday 30 August, at which time the closing speech of the prosecution and the speech for the defense are expected to be delivered.
