DRC courts too weak to end impunity, Amnesty says

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) needs a stronger judicial system to combat impunity for the crimes being committed by its army and other groups, Amnesty International said on Wednesday.

The rights group said judicial reform should be “an electoral priority” for the presidential and legislative polls set for November 2011, and concrete action must be taken after the vote.

“Crimes under international law, including rape and murder, continue to be committed by the Congolese army and armed groups in the east” of the country, the London-based organisation said.

Prosecutions are hindered because “judges and other judicial staff regularly face threats and interference from the political authorities and military officials”, Amnesty said.

“Even where prosecutions are successful court judgements are rarely enforced,” it added.

Amnesty said it could not find a single case where a victim was paid compensation, even in cases where a court found the government accountable.

Amnesty applauded the Congolese government for its moves toward establishing a special court to deal with international crimes, but said regular courts across the country must be strengthened as they will continue to handle the majority of cases.

Kinshasa also needs a programme “to protect victims and witnesses who are reluctant to come forward for fears of reprisals by perpetrators who are still free,” Amnesty said.—AFP