DRC charges FDLR duo for crimes against humanity

Two fighters of the terrorist group, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), are in court in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Bukavu military garrison for crimes against humanity, reports Radio Okapi, a UN-funded radio. According to Radio Okapi, the trial which started Monday includes a commander of the notorious militia group. Six others are on the run. The presiding judge of Bukavu military garrison is quoted as saying the militiamen are indicted for rape, looting, murder, possession of weapons of war and kidnapping, among other crimes. According to the chairman of the Bukavu military court, the military code recognises the jurisdiction of Congolese courts to try foreigners suspected of perpetrating crimes on the Congolese soil. Were going to enforce our law, the judge of Bukavu military garrison is quoted. The two FDLR combatants were arrested in Bunyakiri in Kalehe territory in 2010. According to Lawyers Without Borders, an international non-profit organisation, nearly 450 Congolese say they are victims of crimes of the duo’s transgressions. The mobile courts are funded by the UNDP and Lawyers Without Borders. Ends

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DRC charges FDLR duo for crimes against humanity