The identification of the defendants continued this Friday in the DRC. The latter are accused of several serious crimes, including terrorism, illegal possession of weapons of war, attempted assassination, criminal conspiracy, murder and financing of terrorism. Among them, Maguy Mata, the manager of the hostel where Christian Malanga slept. The latter was identified as the leader of the assault against the residence of Vital Kamerhe and the Palais de la Nation. Christian Malanga, who was killed during the operation, would have registered in this hostel under the false identity of David Kumasamba. He had provided a false ID, paying for his accommodation like any other guest. Maguy Mata’s lawyers requested her provisional release and demanded that the soldiers currently occupying the hostel release her.
The hearing will resume on Tuesday
During the hearing, the lawyers of Zalman Polun Benjamin, one of the three Americans prosecuted, requested the annulment of all the minutes collected during the previous hearings of their client. They argued for the invalidation of the entire procedure brought against him. Their request is based on the fact that the interpreter, during previous hearings, did not have sufficient command of English, the language spoken by their client. According to them, this raises doubts about the accuracy of the transcriptions of this young American’s statements. The latter is presented as the one who piloted the drone during the attack on Vital Kamerhe’s residence.
Furthermore, concerning Jean-Jacques Wondo, the Belgian military expert of Congolese origin who was responsible for reforming the National Intelligence Agency (ANR), his lawyers requested his provisional release for health reasons. They claim Wondo is deprived of his medication, access to his doctor and unable to follow the diet necessary for his medical condition. In addition, they contest the jurisdiction of the court to judge their client, arguing that he is a civilian.
The hearing was suspended and will resume on Tuesday, with the prosecution’s response.
