EU Parliament calls for release of military expert sentenced to death in DRC
The European Parliament has called on the Congolese authorities to immediately release military expert Jean-Jacques Wondo, who was sentenced to death last year for his alleged involvement in a failed coup.
In a resolution adopted on Thursday, MEPs called for Wondo's death sentence to be overturned and for his immediate release. Wondo, an expert on security and military reform, was sentenced to death in September for being the alleged "mastermind" of a failed coup in May.
Wondo's health has since seriously deteriorated, according to his family. In a widely supported resolution, MEPs called for the Belgian-Congolese expert to be released and given access to medical care. They also called on the Congolese authorities to reinstate the moratorium on the death penalty and to take steps towards its complete abolition.
Appeal ruling on Friday
Around sixty of Wondo's relatives and supporters gathered in Brussels on Thursday afternoon ahead of the vote in Strasbourg on the resolution, which was adopted to their applause.
"As a family, we are delighted to see this European commitment"
"As a family, we are delighted to see this European commitment," said Wondo's brother-in-law, Joël Kandolo. "It will certainly have an impact on Jean-Jacques' psychological state, as he will feel even more supported," he said.
Wondo has appealed against his death sentence, and a verdict is expected on Friday. His supporters in Brussels said they hoped the resolution would have a political and diplomatic impact on the outcome of the appeal.
Torture and coercion
Wondo was convicted last year along with 36 other defendants by a military court in Kinshasa. "Mr Wondo's trial has been marked by torture, coercive sentences and violations of fundamental rights," said MEP Wouter Beke. "Despite his urgent medical needs, he is being denied the necessary care in prison".
"A fair trial and medical care are not favours, they are rights that belong to everyone"
"This is not just about Jean-Jacques Wondo, but about the fundamental values of universal justice and human rights that we defend," said Beke. "A fair trial and medical care are not favours, they are rights that belong to everyone. The reintroduction of the death penalty goes completely against this".
Stepping up pressure
For MEP Sara Matthieu, the case "symbolises a regime where political persecution, repression and intimidation are used to silence any criticism". She called on the Belgian authorities to step up pressure to free Wondo and protect him from political persecution.
"The prime minister said that Belgium feels very strongly about his fate"
On Wednesday, Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo and DRC president Félix Tshisekedi spoke about the matter at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. De Croo urged Tshisekedi to ensure a fair trial for Wondo.
"The prime minister spoke about Wondo's fate and said that Belgium feels very strongly about his fate. We expect him to get a fair trial," said a spokesman for De Croo.
Relatives and supporters of Jean-Jacques Wondo gathered in Brussels ahead of an EU Parliament vote on a resolution calling for his immediate release © PHOTO WIKTOR DABKOWSKI /ZUMA PRESS WIRE
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