19 soldiers, cops jailed for rapes in DR Congo

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Nine police officers and 10 soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been convicted of rape and given jail sentences, local media reported on Tuesday.

A military court handed down prison terms ranging from 12 months to 20 years and ordered the convicts to pay damages of between $2,000 to $10,000 to the survivors, who were mostly minors, according to daily La PrunelleRDC.

Four accused were also acquitted by the court.

The offenses were committed in different areas of DR Congo’s South Kivu province, including Walungu, Kabare, Uvira, and Fizi.

Lawyers for the survivors have hailed the ruling, but the convicts intend to challenge the verdicts.

The convictions are seen as a victory for rights defenders part of the Association of Congolese Women Lawyers, which supports survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

“We are satisfied with the court’s decision. This should be a warning to all military and police personnel; they must respect the law because if they break it, they will face justice,” said Migabo Ngabo, who was part of the legal team representing the survivors.