A navy tribunal within the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced six males to life in jail for murdering Italy’s ambassador in February 2021.
Luca Attanasio was amongst three individuals shot lifeless after a UN convoy that he was travelling with was ambushed.
His driver was killed first then he and his physique guard have been kidnapped, dying after a rescue operation went improper.
It occurred within the troubled east of nation, the place many armed teams function.
They have been travelling on a highway by the Virunga Nationwide Park, south of the town of Goma, to go to a UN World Meals Programme (WFP) feeding initiative when the assault occurred.
5 of the six males accused of killing them have been arrested in January 2022 and have been in custody at N’Dolo navy jail within the capital, Kinshasa. A sixth man is on the run.
The prosecution stated the accused males have been a part of a “felony gang” who after killing driver Mustapha Milambo had supposed to carry Mr Attanasio and his Italian physique guard Vittorio Iacovacci for ransom.
Prosecutor Godé Bamusamba Kabambaa had referred to as for the dying penalty.
Throughout the trial, which started in October, the defendants stated their preliminary confessions have been extracted by torture.
Their lawyer, Joseph Amzati, advised the BBC say they might attraction in opposition to the life sentences.
He stated the trial was not truthful and cited the truth that not one of the 4 survivors of the assault had testified earlier than the tribunal.
The accused, who in keeping with their lawyer have been all beforehand employed as bike taxi drivers, have been ordered to pay $2m (£1.6m) in compensation to the households of the victims.
