In a tale as old as colonial rule in Congo, Bisimwa and Mastakila said they made these allegations at the request of two military judges.
Human rights organizations and Protection Internationale cited sloppy forensics at the crime scene, including improper handling of the slain journalist’s clothing, the refusal to call witnesses from a military camp near the crime scene, and the refusal of the court to allow the introduction of autopsy and ballistics evidence in to the trial.
Reporters Without Borders has also condemned the sentencing , blaming poor investigations into the murder by the police and a “less than credible trial” by the military tribunal.
Louise Arbour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, also said that the military court had refused to explore other credible leads in the case and to ask for ballistic expertise on the weapon used for the crime. Arbour additionally cited repeated threats against the defendants, the defense lawyers, and independent observers of the trial.
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries and is a critical resource for journalists working in Africa. On average worldwide, two journalists have been killed every week for the past ten tears.
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