HRF condemns the 20-year prison sentence that DRC military prosecutors seek to impose on pro-democracy activist Nathanaël Onokomba, who has been jailed for nearly 6 months over legitimate criticism of authoritarian ruler Félix Tshisekedi. HRF calls for Onokomba’s immediate release and condemns the Tshisekedi regime’s use of kangaroo military courts to persecute and jail critics and political opponents.
On June 6, prosecutors of the Kinshasa/Gombe Garrison Military Court requested a 20-year prison sentence for Onokomba, who is facing baseless and politically-motivated charges of apology for terrorism and justification of war crimes and acts of aggression. He has consistently proclaimed his innocence throughout his trial, which began on May 15, more than four months after his illegal arrest.