DRC: Police arrested over death of human rights activist

08 Jun 10 | Index Index, minipost, News and features

Two policemen have been arrested, and the country’s most senior policeman suspended from duty, after the death of a human rights activist in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “Voice of the Voiceless” campaigner Floribert Chebeya, whose body was discovered last week in a Kinshasa suburb, was last heard from shortly before attending a meeting ordered by the inspector general of the national police force, John Numbi. Following the arrest of two policemen suspected of killing Chebeya, Numbi was suspended on Sunday by the attorney general, to allow an internal investigation to take place. Chebeya’s death has prompted widespread international attention. Criticisms have also been raised over increased police harassment of human rights activists. Four DRC-based human rights campaigners have been murdered in the last four years.

Congo: Human rights chief discovered dead

07 Jun 10 | Index Index, minipost, Uncategorized

Floribert Chebeya, 47, the president of the human rights organisation La Voix des Sans-voix (Voice of the Voiceless) has been found dead in his car in Kinshasa. Despite a series of text messages and phone messages sent by the victim on the evening of his disappearance, local police remain undecided as to the cause of the incident on 1 June. Police have gone on record stating that they are searching for the perpetrator of the crime. The prominent activist was previously arrested in March 2009 with two other individuals and held for a period without charge by police. Some local reports suggest that this was a direct result of his organisation’s high-profile media campaigns.

Radio journalist held in DRC

25 Mar 10 | Index Index, minipost, Uncategorized

A radio broadcaster in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been arrested and questioned by intelligence agents for “broadcasting false information liable to threaten state security”. Mohamed Lukebana, head of programming at Radio Television Bangu (RTB), was held by government officials in Kimpese after his station reported that Angolan troops had occupied the Bas Congo province earlier this month. Security officials forced Lukebana’s colleagues at RTB to retract the reports while the editor was being held.