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European Parliament calls for immediate release of Jean-Jacques Wondo

by AI | 23.Jan 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The European Parliament condemns in a resolution approved on Thursday the death sentence of the Belgian-Congolese activist Jean-Jacques Wondo. It calls for the death sentence to be revoked and for Wondo to be released immediately.

Plenary session of the European Parliament PHOTO TASR - Martin Baumann

Wondo, an expert in security and military reforms, was arrested last May and sentenced to death by a military court in Kinshasa in September along with 36 other defendants because he was allegedly the “mastermind” of a failed coup in May. His health condition has deteriorated significantly since December, his family reports.

In a widely supported resolution, parliamentarians are now calling for Wondo’s immediate release and access to medical assistance. They also urge the Congolese authorities to reinstate the moratorium on death sentences and to take steps towards its complete abolition.

“Mr. Wondo’s trial has been characterized by torture, coerced statements, and violations of basic rights. Despite his urgent medical needs, necessary care is being denied to him in prison. We demand that the Congolese authorities immediately allow medical assistance and release Wondo unless there is credible evidence for the charges against him,” says Wouter Beke (CD&V), chief negotiator for the European Christian Democrats.