Trial Observation of the Maheshe Proceedings (Dr. Congo): Summary and Recommendations

Taking into account the general state of impunity in DR Congo, especially with regard to violations against HRD in 2007 and 2008, Protection International (PI) carried out a trial observation of the presumed killers of the Okapi Radio journalist Serge Maheshe, who was killed in 2007.

Trial observation and monitoring is a key part of the advocacy work to struggle against impunity in order to ensure that trials exist, that they are fair, and to avoid any interference intended to hide the truth. Taking into account the general state of impunity in DR Congo, especially with regard to violations against Human Rights Defenders, including journalists, in 2007 and 2008, Protection International carried out a trial observation of the presumed killers (and individuals alleged to be behind the killing) of the Okapi Radio journalist Serge Maheshe, who was killed on the 13th June 2007 in Bukavu (DR Congo). The trial, which took place before the Military Jurisdictions, respected neither the norms of a fair trial nor led to the manifestation of the truth. In spite of this, three civilians were condemned to death in May 2008, two of whom are in prison.

Author: Sophie Roudil