In the Democratic Republic of Congo’s city of Goma, survivors of a brutal crackdown on a protest a year ago, where 56 demonstrators were shot dead by soldiers, commemorated the tragic event and voiced their dissatisfaction with the justice system. The protest, which aimed to demand the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers, was met with lethal force by an elite group of soldiers. Despite a trial resulting in a military officer being sentenced to death and others receiving long prison terms, survivors and family members of the victims continue to seek truth and justice, highlighting the ongoing legal and civil rights restrictions under the state of siege in place in the region.
- A memorial was held in Goma to mark one year since the massacre of 56 protesters by soldiers during a crackdown on a rally against UN peacekeepers.
- A military colonel was sentenced to death, and several other soldiers received long prison sentences for their roles in the killings.
- Survivors and relatives of the victims demand justice and truth, emphasizing the lack of attention to the wounded, the orphans, and the widows and widowers.
- The protest aimed at the UN peacekeepers was violently suppressed by soldiers, who were attempting to quell the demonstration under a special legal regime designed to combat militia violence but also restricts civil rights.
- The legal regime, known as a state of siege, which allows for such crackdowns, is still in effect, raising concerns about civil liberties.
- Authorities had banned a public march planned to commemorate the massacre’s victims, reflecting ongoing tensions between the state and civilians.
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