Democratic Republic of Congo
19.07.00
Urgent Interventions
D.R. Congo: harassment and interrogation
Case COD 260602
Arbitrary detention / Torture/ Extra-judicial execution
The International Secretariat of OMCT requests your URGENT intervention in the following situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Brief description of the facts
The International Secretariat of OMCT was informed by LIZADEEL (La ligue de la zone Afrique pour la défense des droits des enfants, élèves et étudiants), a member of the OMCT network, that Mr. Dominique Walama Konzo, was arrested by the DEMIAP outside of Kintambo and detained for over six weeks, during which he was reportedly subjected to torture, bringing about his death on Monday 24th June 2002, after a late and futile intervention by the doctor of the Kokolo camp’s medical center.
According to our sources, Mr. Walama, who was 26, single and a native of the Equateur province, district of North Ubangi, Yakoma territory, Abuzi sector, resident at Avenue Jupiter, 73, Q/résidentiel in the district of Limete in Kinshasa, owed 7,000 dollars to a certain woman. This woman allegedly used her influence to have him arrested by DEMIAP, instead of acting through judicial means, as is ordained in Congolese law.
The International Secretariat of OMCT eagerly awaits the opening of an investigation into the incident that was the subject of this appeal. Nevertheless, OMCT fears that the perpetrators of this crime will not be brought to justice, given the results of the investigation till now, and that the family of Mr.Walama will not be guaranteed adequate reparation.
OMCT would like to recall the decision of the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo concerning the closure of all prison cells not linked to the justice system made shortly after President Kabila’s assumption of power in March 2001. The International Secretariat of OMCT fears that these cells still operate despite the decision made in March 2001.
Actions requested
Please write to the authorities in Democratic Republic of Congo urging them to:
· order a thorough and impartial investigation into the reports of these events, in order to identify those responsible, bring them to trial and apply the penal, civil and/or administrative sanctions as provided by law
· to guarantee adequate reparations to the family of Mr.Walama;
· guarantee the respect of human rights and the fundamental freedoms throughout the country in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards
Adresses
Note: You may encounter problems in using the e-mail addresses and fax numbers for the DRC mentioned below. In case of failure, we suggest that you use the address of the Ambassador in Geneva.
· H.E. Ambassador Democratic Republic of the Congo, Permanent Mission Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Avenue de Budé 18, 1202, Genève, Suisse, e-mail : mission.rdc@ties.itu.int, fax : +41 22 7401682
· H.E. President Joseph Kabila. Presidency of the Republic, Kinshasa-Ngaliema, Democratic Republic of Congo; Fax (+ 243) 880 02 120
· Minister of Interior, Ministry of Interior, Fax : +243 88 02 042, E-mail : djo@ic.cd
· Minister of Justice, Ministry of Justice, BP 3137, Kinshasa Gombé, Democratic Republic of Congo; Fax : (+243) 880 55 21
· Minister of Human Rights, Ministry of Human Rights ; Fax : (+243) 12 20 664
· Minister of Communication, Ministry of Communication, Fax : 00 243 12 61 205
· Attorney General of the Republic, B.P. : 7016 Kinshasa/Gombe, Fax : 00 243 12 20 843
Please also write to the diplomatic representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in your country.
Geneva, 26 June 2002
Arbitrary detention / Torture/ Extra-judicial execution
The International Secretariat of OMCT requests your URGENT intervention in the following situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Brief description of the facts
The International Secretariat of OMCT was informed by LIZADEEL (La ligue de la zone Afrique pour la défense des droits des enfants, élèves et étudiants), a member of the OMCT network, that Mr. Dominique Walama Konzo, was arrested by the DEMIAP outside of Kintambo and detained for over six weeks, during which he was reportedly subjected to torture, bringing about his death on Monday 24th June 2002, after a late and futile intervention by the doctor of the Kokolo camp’s medical center.
According to our sources, Mr. Walama, who was 26, single and a native of the Equateur province, district of North Ubangi, Yakoma territory, Abuzi sector, resident at Avenue Jupiter, 73, Q/résidentiel in the district of Limete in Kinshasa, owed 7,000 dollars to a certain woman. This woman allegedly used her influence to have him arrested by DEMIAP, instead of acting through judicial means, as is ordained in Congolese law.
The International Secretariat of OMCT eagerly awaits the opening of an investigation into the incident that was the subject of this appeal. Nevertheless, OMCT fears that the perpetrators of this crime will not be brought to justice, given the results of the investigation till now, and that the family of Mr.Walama will not be guaranteed adequate reparation.
OMCT would like to recall the decision of the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo concerning the closure of all prison cells not linked to the justice system made shortly after President Kabila’s assumption of power in March 2001. The International Secretariat of OMCT fears that these cells still operate despite the decision made in March 2001.
Actions requested
Please write to the authorities in Democratic Republic of Congo urging them to:
· order a thorough and impartial investigation into the reports of these events, in order to identify those responsible, bring them to trial and apply the penal, civil and/or administrative sanctions as provided by law
· to guarantee adequate reparations to the family of Mr.Walama;
· guarantee the respect of human rights and the fundamental freedoms throughout the country in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards
Adresses
Note: You may encounter problems in using the e-mail addresses and fax numbers for the DRC mentioned below. In case of failure, we suggest that you use the address of the Ambassador in Geneva.
· H.E. Ambassador Democratic Republic of the Congo, Permanent Mission Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Avenue de Budé 18, 1202, Genève, Suisse, e-mail : mission.rdc@ties.itu.int, fax : +41 22 7401682
· H.E. President Joseph Kabila. Presidency of the Republic, Kinshasa-Ngaliema, Democratic Republic of Congo; Fax (+ 243) 880 02 120
· Minister of Interior, Ministry of Interior, Fax : +243 88 02 042, E-mail : djo@ic.cd
· Minister of Justice, Ministry of Justice, BP 3137, Kinshasa Gombé, Democratic Republic of Congo; Fax : (+243) 880 55 21
· Minister of Human Rights, Ministry of Human Rights ; Fax : (+243) 12 20 664
· Minister of Communication, Ministry of Communication, Fax : 00 243 12 61 205
· Attorney General of the Republic, B.P. : 7016 Kinshasa/Gombe, Fax : 00 243 12 20 843
Please also write to the diplomatic representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in your country.
Geneva, 26 June 2002