Urgent Action: Activists’ whereabouts unknown after arrest
Activists Arsene Katolo, Alain Muwaka, Oto Shaminga, Heritier Losomba, Miko Booto, Enoch Muanda and Mwanza are being held incommunicado at an unknown location in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They were arrested on 11 September in the capital Kinshasa while distributing leaflets against plans to use voting machines in the upcoming elections.
Take action.
Please write immediately in French or your own language:
- Urging the DRC authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Arsene Katolo, Alain Muwaka, Oto Shaminga, Heritier Losomba, Miko Booto, Enoch Muanda and Mwanza detained solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly;
- Calling on them to ensure that, pending their release, the seven activists are not subjected to torture and other ill-treatment and are allowed access to their families and lawyers of their choosing;
- Urging them to investigate allegations that the seven activists were beaten up while in the custody of security officers and ensure anyone found responsible is brought to justice in fair trials.
PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 1 JANUARY 2019 TO:
Minister of Justice
Monsieur Alexis Tambwe Mwamba
Ministère de la Justice
228 Avenue de Lemera
BP 3137
Kinshasa-Gombe
DRC
Email: minjustdh@gmail.com
Salutation: Honourable Minister
Minister for human rights
Marie-Ange Mushobekwa
Ministere des droits humains
Place Royal
Kinshasa-Gombe
DRC
Email: mushobekwa.likulia@gmail.com
Salutation: Honourable Minister
Attorney General
Floribert Kabange Numbi
Procureur General de la Republique
Immeuble INSS
Boulevard du 30 Juin Kinshasa/Gombe
DRC
Email: florykan@yahoo.fr
Salutation: Attorney General
Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country.
HER EXCELLENCY MS MARIE NDJEKA OPOMBO, Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 45-49 Great Portland Street W1W 7LD, 020 7580 3931, Fax 020 7580 8713, missionrdclondres@gmail.com, www.ambardc-londres.gouv.cd
Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.