Rumonge: life jail requested for the 272 Burundian soldiers who refused to go fight alongside the FARDC against the M23

The pleadings and the second-degree indictment closed on Friday in the case of the 272 Burundian soldiers who refused to go fight alongside the FARDC against the M23. The public prosecutor requested a life jail against them. The decision of the appeal judge will be pronounced no later than December 30.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

For 24 days, three judges of the military prosecutor’s office listened one by one to the 272 elements of the FDNB (National Defense Force of Burundi), their lawyers and the prosecution.

Just like in the first degree, the concern persons and the lawyers rejected all the accusations against them and asked that they be acquitted.

Two generals of the Burundian army intervened to accuse these soldiers. During this marathon appeal trial, which took place at the central prison of Rumonge called Murembwe in the southwest of the country, the detainees had sufficient time to explain themselves. Some were assisted by lawyers.

This Friday, the public prosecutor requested life imprisonment for them. The concerned persons and the lawyers instead asked the judges to acquit them.

The appeal judge will render his decision no later than December 30, judges announced.