Eight soldiers were on Friday sentenced to death in Congo.
AP reports that the soldiers were sent to death by a military court for cowardice and other crimes linked to fleeing the battlefield. The government has been struggling to contain violence and attacks in the mineral-rich area where many armed groups operate.
In March, the government lifted an over two-decade moratorium on the death penalty. It stated that those guilty of treason and other espionage could escape without proper punishment.
However, human rights organizations criticized the decision.
Alexis Olenga, a lawyer for Paluku Olenga, one of the sentenced soldiers said, “This is a monstrous decision, I believe we must immediately challenge it before the high military court.”
Three other military officers were acquitted by the court.
Moise Hangi, a civil society activist, said, “Instead of repairing our security apparatus, these kinds of decisions will increasingly weaken our army and make those on the lines of defence more fearful.”
