Congo executes 102 'urban criminals', plans to execute 70 more.

(CLO) The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo executed 102 people last week and is preparing to execute another 70, according to a statement by the country's Justice Minister.

Those executed, aged between 18 and 35, were identified as armed robbers and "urban criminals"—often referred to as Kuluna in Congo. The executions took place at Angenga prison in the northwestern region of the country.

The flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo (right) and the United Nations flag are placed side-by-side. Photo: MONUSCO/Michelle Healy

45 people were executed at the end of December, and the remaining 57 were executed within the last 48 hours.

Authorities have also transferred an additional 70 people from the capital Kinshasa to Angenga, but have not yet issued an official statement on the fate of this group of prisoners.

Justice Minister Mutamba, who oversees the executions, said on Sunday: "The third group will be executed; the first two groups have already been executed."

The government's decision to implement the death penalty has sparked considerable controversy nationwide:

Some supporters see this as a necessary measure to restore order and security in cities. "We welcome this decision, as it will help put an end to urban crime. From 8 p.m. onwards, you don't dare go out for fear of encountering Kuluna," said Fiston Kakule, a resident of Goma, eastern Congo.

In 1981, Congo abolished the death penalty, but it was reinstated in 2006. In 2024, the government announced the reintroduction of the death penalty, primarily for military personnel convicted of treason.

In 2024, Congo announced plans to reinstate the death penalty in March. In May 2024, eight soldiers were sentenced to death for deserting the battlefield. In July 2024, 25 more soldiers were sentenced to death for the same crime. However, none of these soldiers have been executed yet.

Cao Phong (according to CNN, LA Times)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/congo-tu-hinh-102-toi-pham-do-thi-du-kien-xu-them-70-ke-khac-post329124.html