Written question asked by Eric Joyce (Labour) on Friday, 3 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 October 2008. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 October 2008 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Politics and Government

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the UK has made in relation to concerns raised by international observers at the conviction in the Democratic Republic of Congo of Freddy Bisimwa Matabaro and Mugisho Rwezangabo for the murder of the journalist Serge Maheshe and their requests for a renewed and effective investigation into his death.

Answer: The UK has worked closely with international partners in following the trial of the men accused of the murder of Serge Maheshe. We and EU partners believe that effective pursuit of this case by the Democratic Republic of Congo authorities will send an important signal that impunity is no longer tolerated.The EU made representations to the Minister for Justice and Human Rights on 12 May 2008 after four defendants were convicted, and issued a further statement on 15 May, highlighting the EU's concern at irregularities in the appeal process and calling for fairness in the proceedings.The convictions of Freddy Bisimwa Matabaro and Mugisho Rwenzagabo for the murder of Serge Maheshe were upheld on appeal on 21 May. Officials from the UN's mission in DRC are in contact with the authorities over this verdict. The defendants' lawyers are in the process of exploring options for a final appeal.

Secondary information