29 sentenced to death in DR Congo following Eid clashes

YAOUNDE, Cameroon

A court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s capital Kinshasa on Saturday sentenced 29 people to death for malicious destruction of property and criminal association.

Following the sentence, Patrick Muyaya, DRC government spokesperson, tweeted in French that out of the 41 defendants, five were acquitted, 31 convicted, including 29 to the death penalty and two to 5 years of penal servitude.

With regard to the four minors present, the court referred them to their natural judge, that is to say to the children's Court.

The clash between two rival groups, who were fighting for leadership, took place during Eid al-Fitr celebrations on Thursday at the Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa, according to the police.

The police used tear gas bombs and warning shots to disperse the crowd. At least 46 police officers were injured, eight of them in critical condition, and one killed. Eleven police vehicles were damaged, one of which was set on fire.

Following the clashes, DRC authorities suspended the management committee of the Martyrs Stadium until further notice.

The Muslim community represents 10% of the Congolese population.

YAOUNDE, Cameroon

A court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s capital Kinshasa on Saturday sentenced 29 people to death for malicious destruction of property and criminal association.

With regard to the four minors present, the court referred them to their natural judge, that is to say to the children's Court.

The clash between two rival groups, who were fighting for leadership, took place during Eid al-Fitr celebrations on Thursday at the Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa, according to the police.

Following the clashes, DRC authorities suspended the management committee of the Martyrs Stadium until further notice.

The Muslim community represents 10% of the Congolese population.