Former Democratic Republic of Congo justice minister gets 3 years for embezzlement

By Byobe Malenga

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo (AA) - The top court in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday sentenced former Justice Minister Constant Mutamba to three years of hard labor for the embezzlement of public funds.

The case concerned $19 million allocated for the construction of a prison in Kisangani, a city in northern Congo.

The Court of Cassation also imposed a five-year ineligibility and prohibition of voting on Mutamba.

The public prosecutor had initially requested 10 years of hard labor, along with a ban from public and semi-public functions, and the suspension of his voting and eligibility rights for a period to be determined after the execution of the sentence.

The announcement of the verdict came amid tensions. In the early hours of Tuesday, around 3 a.m. (0200GMT), police dispersed Mutamba’s supporters who gathered outside his residence in Kinshasa. The former minister was then placed under a detention warrant.

At the end of May, the National Assembly authorized Mutamba's prosecution, paving the way for the opening of his trial on July 9.

Throughout the hearings, the former minister consistently pleaded his innocence. His lawyers argued that the relevant authorities had been duly informed about the project and the contract awarded to Zion Construction, which, in their view, demonstrated their client’s transparency and good faith.

The Court of Cassation delivers final judgments that cannot be appealed.

However, a convicted person may request a review of the case if new evidence emerges, or in the event of a manifest error, or seek a presidential pardon, which can reduce the sentence without overturning the conviction.

There is also the possibility of bringing the matter before international courts, but such procedures remain exceptional, lengthy, and uncertain.