Lawyer Steven Kalali has dragged the Democratic Republic of Congo to the East African Court of Justice for alleged violation of prisoners rights.
In his petition Kalali, a human rights lawyer accuses the government of Democratic Republic of Congo of extreme overcrowding, physical abuses, and sexual violence against female inmates at the Kinshasa-based facility.
Kalali argues that these conditions breach the East African Community (EAC) Treaty and other international human rights laws.
The case follows a deadly jailbreak attempt on 1st and 2nd September 2024, at Makala Prison, where hundreds reportedly lost their lives amidst violent security interventions.
The lawyer wants Court to declaration that the government of Congo is in breach of its duty to avail basic infrastructure to inmates in prison which is a violation of the principles enshrined in the EAC Treaty and other international treaties including, the African Charter on Human Right
The Government of DRC which has been sued through its Minister for Justice has now been summoned and given 45 days to file it’s defence against the accusations .
Report by : Betty Zziwa
