That was four years ago; on March 12, 2017, in the Democratic Republic of the Conto (DRC) Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan, two UN experts investigating the violence in Kasai-Central, were assassinated. A few months later, a lawsuit was opened to determine the causes and those responsible for these killings, but since then the procedure has progressed in slow motion and is spiced with irregularities, according to NGO Human Rights Watch.
The human rights organization, Human Rights Watch (HRW), calls for an increase in the authorities, as Thomas Fessy, senior researcher for DRC at Human Rights Watch, contacted by RFI, points out: in the last year new arrests have taken place, especially of individuals presented as key actors in the murder. So recently, the Court finally began to take an interest in circumstances, in particular telephone records. New witnesses are also urged to show up soon. So this is a step in the right direction, but let’s be very clear, the question of political stalemate arises. ”
“What progress?”
“It’s almost four years since this lawsuit began, but for what progress in terms of the benefits of the case really? There are lengthy delays in procedures and irregularities. There are a total of about fifty defendants, but the trial is about ten names. Why are some never quoted and remain locked up until then four years later? Others cannot be found and defendants have died in custody under conditions that remain suspicious. Finally, it appears that the investigations have been stopped at the executive level. However, all avenues must be investigated, and those whose responsibility would be to have planned or ordered these murders must also be the subject of an investigation, ”concludes Thomas Fessy.
► To read also: “Congo Files”: a disturbing study in the DRC
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