Embezzlement trial of DR Congo's former justice minister begins, before postponement

​​​​​​​By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - The trial of Democratic Republic of Congo’s former Justice Minister Constant Mutamba began Wednesday at the Court of Cassation in Kinshasa before it was postponed.

Mutamba,37, is facing charges for embezzling $19 million that had been allocated for the construction of a prison in Kisangani, in the northeast.

Mawete Longidika, one of Mutamba’s lawyers, told Anadolu that the court postponed the hearing to July 23, "to allow the defense lawyers to examine the case file and prepare their defense."

Longidika said the defense also raised an issue of procedure irregularity because of a summons to appear in court that should have been issued by the public prosecutor's office, under the privilege of jurisdiction enjoyed by his client.

But the order was issued by the chief registrar of the court, which constitutes an irregularity, according to the defense. The court dismissed the argument, saying the summons remained authentic.

The former minister arrived in court an hour after the beginning of the trial, which was broadcast on national television.

Mutamba told the court he was held up in traffic. He resigned last month to pave the way for his prosecution.