Seven soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been given prison sentences for crimes committed in the troubled eastern region of the country. The military court in Uvira, a city in DR Congo, issued the verdict, as announced by the military spokesman, Jeremie Meya, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
According to Meya, the convicted individuals included privates and a staff sergeant. The court sentenced four soldiers to life imprisonment for murder, while two others received a 20-year jail term for attempted murder or armed robbery. Additionally, one soldier was handed a 10-year sentence for extortion. Another person who faced charges of extortion was acquitted.
The majority of the crimes occurred in South Kivu, located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This area is known for the presence of numerous active armed groups and experiences a high prevalence of criminal activities. Meya stated that most of the incidents took place in November 2022, with civilians being the primary victims.