Rights group concerned over 19 extradited from ROC

ASADHO, the main human rights organisation in the DRC, has expressed concern over 19 DRC residents extradited from neighbouring Republic of Congo (ROC) on 23 April at the request of DRC authorities and held in a Kinshasa prison without any charges having been brought against them. In a press release, the Association africaine de defense des droits de l’homme (ASADHO) stated the 19 had sought asylum in ROC and their extradition was carried out in violation of international treaties. ASADHO noted that the 19 had fled the DRC in November and December 2000, following a wave of arrests of those suspected of plotting an October 2000 coup against the government of then president, the late Laurent-Desire Kabila. “In light of the fact that dozens of officers and civilians suspected of such activities were summarily executed or ‘disappeared’, there is serious reason to believe that the lives of these 19 individuals are in danger,” it stated. ASADHO called on the DRC government to allow the 19 prisoners unrestricted visits by family members, doctors, lawyers and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); that they be informed of their alleged crimes; and that they be scheduled to appear as soon as possible before an impartial court. ASADHO said they should be released immediately and without conditions if they are found not guilty of the charges against them.