DRC: Legislator Jailed For Insulting President Kabila

Muhindo Nzangi, an opposition MP accused of insulting president Joseph Kabila and inciting violence is to spend the next three years at Makala Central Prison in Kishasa.

Nzangi was convicted on Tuesday evening by the Congolese Supreme Court in Kinshasa following his arrest over the weekend. The MP, who represents Lubero area, was picked up on Sunday from Goma shortly after he appeared on a talk show at Radio Kivu.

It is alleged that during the talk show Nzangi criticized the manner in which the Kabila led government is handling the conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The east of the country has been hit by armed conflict leaving many homeless.

He also reportedly called on citizens to mount pressure on the army to attack the positions of M23 rebels. Shortly after his arrest the MP was charged with insulting the president and revealing information that is prejudicial to state security.

It is alleged that the opposition politician was not allowed to enter any plea when he appeared in court. His lawyer Ruffin Lukoo has described the decision of the supreme court as outrageous and a big blow to democracy in the country.

He says Nzangi committed a big mistake by calling for violence instead of promoting peace and calm amongst the local population.

Source:The redpepper