In these messages, Dismas Kitenge also called for social mobilisation and the organisation of peaceful protest actions for the release of the two men and warned of the danger of the non-application of the rules of the rule of law in Tshopo province.
The Observatory notes that this is not the first time that Dismas Kitenge has been subjected to threats and intimidation. In September 2020, Mr Kitenge and his family were victims of death threats and insults via anonymous calls because of Mr Kitenge’s stance against the DRC’s authorities and public figures. Following these threats, Mr Kitenge filed a complaint against unknown persons with the Public Prosecutor of the Tribunal de Grande Instance of Kisangani, requesting the identification and prosecution of the perpetrator of the threats as well as protection measures for him and his family. In October 2020, Mr Kitenge and his family were granted temporary relocation measures. However, at the time of publication of this urgent appeal, no action had been taken on the complaint filed by Mr Kitenge.
The Observatory expresses deep concern regarding the new threats, insults, and acts of intimidation against Dismas Kitenge, which seem to be aimed at dissuading him from carrying out his legitimate human rights activities.
The Observatory calls on the Congolese authorities to put an end to these threats and acts of intimidation; to conduct an independent, rigorous, impartial, and transparent investigation in order to identify those responsible; and to bring them before an independent, competent, and impartial tribunal. The Observatory also calls on the Congolese authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Mr Kitenge.
How You Can Help
The Observatory requests that you write to the Congolese authorities asking them to:
i. Guarantee in all circumstances the physical safety and psychological well-being of Dismas Kitenge and all other human rights defenders in the DRC;
ii. Conduct an independent, rigorous, impartial and transparent investigation into the threats and intimidation against Dismas Kitenge to identify those responsible and bring them before an independent, competent and impartial tribunal in accordance with international and regional human rights instruments, and to apply the criminal, civil and/or administrative sanctions provided for by law.
Addresses
Addresses:
H.E. Mr Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Republic, Email: cabinet@presidentrdc.cd;
Mr Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, Prime Minister, E-mail: cabinet@primature.cd;
Mme Rose Mutombo Kiese, Minister of Justice, E-mail: minjustdh@gmail.com;
Mr Fabrice Puela, Minister of Human Rights, Email: min-droitshumains@yahoo.fr;
Mr Victor Mumba Mukomo, Attorney General at the Court of Cassation; E-mail: pgr_rdc@yahoo.fr, pgr_rdcongo15@yahoo.com;
Mr Christian Ndongala Nkuku, Ambassador, Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Brussels, Belgium, E-mail: secretariat@ambardc.eu.
Please also write to the diplomatic representations of the Democratic Republic of Congo in your respective countries.