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DR Congo Condemns Soldiers to Death for 'Fleeing the Enemy'

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have sentenced to death twenty-five soldiers on charges of "fleeing the enemy" during ongoing fighting between the army and the notorious Tutsi-led M23 rebels.

A total of 31 defendants, including 27 soldiers and four of their civilian wives, are reported to have appeared before a military court in North Kivu province, near the front line.

The government lifted a moratorium on the death penalty in March, which had been in place since 2003, arguing that there is a need to remove "traitors" from the army. A lawyer for the soldiers has said he will appeal the sentence.

Jessica Hatcher/IRIN

Government army (file photo).

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