Jean-Marc Kabund, a prominent presidential candidate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been sentenced to seven years in prison, his defense announced on Wednesday.
The former leader of the presidential party was convicted by a high court on 12 charges, including spreading false rumors and insulting the head of state. The Court of Cassation ruled that “all the offenses for which Mr. Kabund was prosecuted were established.”
This decision is not subject to appeal, marking a significant development in the political landscape of the DRC. The implications of this ruling on Kabund’s political career and the upcoming presidential election remain to be seen.
The sentencing has sparked a wave of reactions across the country, with supporters of Kabund decrying the decision as politically motivated. However, the court maintains that the rule of law has been upheld.