A prosecutor in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has demanded a 20-year sentence for journalist Stanis Bujakera, accusing him of fabricating evidence and inciting political unrest.
Bujakera, a prominent reporter for Jeune Afrique magazine and other outlets, is charged with linking military intelligence to the murder of opposition politician Cherubin Okende.
Bujakera was arrested in September 2023 after an article in Jeune Afrique alleged Okende’s murder involved the military. The magazine maintains Bujakera did not write the article.
Prosecutors claim he created a fake intelligence memo to support the allegation and aimed to “blame the president and his associates” for political gain.
The defense team strongly refutes all charges and insists on Bujakera’s complete acquittal. The judge has set a verdict date of March 20th.
This case has drawn international attention due to Bujakera’s high profile as the most-followed journalist on DRC social media. Human Rights Watch has called the case “politically motivated.”
Okende, a former minister and opposition figure, was found dead last July. Authorities initially ruled it a suicide, a claim the opposition party vehemently denies.
The prosecutor’s office has previously warned against criticism surrounding the Bujakera case.
However, President Tshisekedi signaled a potential shift in February, expressing frustration with the case’s delay and hinting at intervention. Despite the president’s remarks, the trial has continued.
Adding to the pressure for Bujakera’s release, Amnesty International condemned his continued detention on Friday.
The organization’s deputy regional director called Bujakera’s imprisonment “arbitrary” and a threat to press freedom in the DRC.
