Prominent Congolese journalist Stanis Bujakera was recently released from prison after spending six months behind bars. He accused the government of trying to intimidate journalists investigating the death of opposition politician Cherubin Okende. Okende, a former minister and spokesman for the opposition party Ensemble pour la RĂ©publique, disappeared on July 12th and was found dead in his car in Kinshasa the following day.
Bujakera, who works for Actualite.cd news site and contributes to RFI and other international outlets, was arrested in September over a report in French magazine Jeune Afrique linking the country’s intelligence bureau to Okende’s death. Despite not being the author of the story, Bujakera was charged with spreading falsehoods and forging documents. He was found guilty earlier this month, sentenced to time served, and fined 1 million Congolese francs before being released on March 19th.
In his first interview after being released, Bujakera spoke out about the pressure he faced to reveal his sources and the unjust conviction against him. He believes the government fabricated the charges to intimidate journalists and control information ahead of the presidential elections in the DRC.
Bujakera expressed his reluctance to appeal the conviction until he has faith in the independence of the DRC’s justice system. Meanwhile, former tourism minister Modero Nsimba appeared in court this week on charges of spreading rumors about President Felix Tshisekedi’s family in connection to Okende’s death.
Despite the controversy surrounding Okende’s death, the Congolese judiciary maintains that he died by suicide. As the investigation continues, journalists like Bujakera face ongoing challenges in their pursuit of truth and justice in the DRC.
