Congo: Death Sentence for 66 Soldiers Sentenced by Military Court

In depth

A military court in the Democratic Republic of the Congo sentenced 66 soldiers to death. The soldiers were convicted of cowardice, mutiny and refusal to obey orders during fighting against rebel groups in the North Kivu province. No further details about the date of the sentencing were released by the court.

The trial takes place after the state lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty. According to reports, the aim is to remove traitors from the army. In the recent period alone, hundreds of death sentences have been handed down to soldiers in the army.

The rebel groups the soldiers were fighting operate in the east of the country. The sentences highlight the authorities' attempt to impose discipline in the army against the backdrop of the ongoing fighting.