An army colonel has been sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo for his role in the killing of more than 50 demonstrators in August.
Col Mike Mikombe, the ex-commander of the elite Republican Guard in Goma city, was accused of giving orders to open fire on anti-UN protesters.
His lawyers said he would appeal against the military court’s ruling.
This was the highest number of deaths in a crackdown on protests against UN peacekeepers in eastern DR Congo.
The protesters were demanding the withdrawal of UN troops, accusing them of failing to protect civilians who have been under decades-long attacks by rebel groups in the region.
The UN has almost 18,000 personnel in the country, including more than 12,000 soldiers, making it the second-largest UN mission globally.
The August protests were organised by a Christian sect known as Wazalendo (Patriots), to demand the departure of UN troops from the region.
The protesters also wanted Governor Ndima Kongba, who had earlier banned the demonstrations, to resign. The governor has since been replaced.
According to the state prosecutor, 56 civilians were killed and dozens others wounded during the demonstrations, sparking international condemnation.
More than 150 people were arrested during the crackdown by the security forces.
The court heard how amid chaotic scenes troops opened fire at the protesters, allegedly on the instruction of Col Mikombe.
Source: bbc.com
