19.08.11 - DRC/MIXED COURT - KINSHASA DISCUSSES THE CREATION OF A SPECIALIZED MIXED COURT

19 August 2011 By JusticeInfo.net

The Hague, August 19, 2011 (FH) - The Congolese parliament might adopt before September 4 draft legislation for a specialized mixed court to try those responsible for the worst human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The draft is currently being reviewed by the senate's Political, Administrative, and Judicial Commission.

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In a Press Release dated August 17, a group of 30 human rights's organizations request the authorities "to modify the draft law's articles prescribing the death penalty as the only applicable punishment".

According to Geraldine Mattioli-Zeltner, international justice advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, "The legislation holds great promise, but the death penalty provision should be amended or the court risks becoming an instrument of execution."

"The mixed court can give victims hope that they will finally see justice for the vicious cycle of unpunished violence that has plagued Congo for decades", she added.

European Union and several other states including the United States and the Netherlands have already said that they would provide for financial support.

SM/ER/GF