Former Congolese Rebel Leader Reportedly Stands Trial in Paris for Wartime Atrocities
Former Congolese Rebel Leader Reportedly Stands Trial in Paris for Wartime Atrocities
The trial of Roger Lumbala opened Wednesday at the Paris Criminal Court, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity committed during the Second Congo War (1998-2003), Western media reported.
The 67-year-old, who led the Congolese Rally for National Democracy, is accused of complicity in atrocities including executions, torture, and sexual slavery against civilian populations in eastern Congo.
After the conflict, Lumbala served in Congo's transitional government and parliament. He fled to France in 2011 after the Congolese government issued an arrest warrant for him for allegedly supporting the M23 rebel group.
This case marks the first trial of a Congolese leader under France's universal jurisdiction principle. A verdict is expected on December 19.
Subscribe to @sputnik_africa
