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Trial begins for suspects in the death of human rights defender in Democratic Republic of Congo

Minister for Africa Henry Bellingham said that he hopes justice is delivered quickly as the trial for suspects in the death of human rights defender Floribert Chebeya starts.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

“I am pleased to hear that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) authorities have started trial proceedings for eight suspects in the death of human rights defender Floribert Chebeya.

This is an important case for DRC to show they will take action against those who commit human rights abuses and believe they can act with impunity. I hope that justice is delivered quickly and transparently in a fair trial.”

The prominent DRC human rights defender Floribert Chebeya was found dead in suspicious circumstances this June. Investigations by the DRC authorities have indicated senior members of the DRC police force may be responsible for his death. A trial for eight suspects began on Friday 12th November.

Published 16 November 2010