In a swift one-day trial, a military court in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo, has sentenced 25 soldiers to death for allegedly fleeing the battlefield while fighting against the M23 rebel group.
The soldiers, including two captains, were accused of deserting their posts during the ongoing conflict in the mineral-rich eastern region.
The trial, which was widely criticized by human rights groups, was convened at the Butembo garrison military court and saw 31 defendants, including 27 soldiers and four civilian wives, face charges of “fleeing the enemy”, dissipating war munitions, violating orders, and theft.
According to defense lawyers, the accused were denied adequate representation and were subjected to a rushed trial with inadequate evidence.