3 hours agoBajrami's holiday ends with 29 sentenced to death in African state
Periskopi(5 years ago)
(5 years ago)Twenty-nine people have been sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo because of the violence caused during the Bajram holiday, which erupted in the capital, Kinshasa. One policeman was killed and dozens more suffered injuries during clashes between rival Muslim groups, the BBC writes, broadcast Gazeta Express. Groups had gathered to mark [...]
One policeman was killed and dozens more suffered injuries during clashes between rival Muslim groups, the BBC writes, broadcast Gazeta Express.
The groups had gathered to mark the end of the month of Ramadan, but argued about who should lead the organisation.
The death penalty, although it may be formally handed down by the courts, is no longer being implemented in Congo, so those convicted will serve a life sentence.
Police used tear gas and rubber bullets Thursday to disperse thousands of people gathered to win Fiter Bajram.
Authorities say some injured police officers are in critical condition, while the clashes were sparked by the dispute over the organisational leadership among the Muslim community.
Forty - one persons were arrested at the scene and immediately brought to trial on Friday. The session was broadcast live on television and lasted all night.
Twenty - nine were sentenced to death, while two others were sentenced to five years in prison. The BBC's report on international developments, Will Ross, said there are concerns about the justice of this trial, taking into account the speed with which the trial took place and closed.
