Nlandu case: Marie Therese Freed

Marie Therese Nlandu, the human rights lawyer detained in prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since November 2006 has today been freed from prison after all the charges against her and her nine co-defendants were dropped.

The mother of four was charged on 11 December 2006 with inciting insurrection and possessing illegal firearms as well as setting fire to the Supreme Court, even though she was already in police custody at the time this attack occurred. Although a civilian, Mrs. Nlandu was tried before a military tribunal.

Since the trial began in January, it has been repeatedly adjourned, with the judges failing to convene on designated trial dates for over a month. The prosecution failed to produce incriminating evidence against her and their case fell into further disarray after several witnesses admitted receiving bribes to testify against Mrs. Nlandu. However, her continued imprisonment led to speculation that the trial was politically motivated.

Mrs. Nlandu returned to the DRC from her home in London last year to contest the Presidential elections. She was later retained for her legal expertise by Jean Pierre Bemba, the main opponent to President Kabila, in order to challenge the provisional results of the second round run-off, which were announced on 15 November.

Mrs. Nlandu has reportedly been very ill during her time in prison, and has been repeatedly denied adequate medical treatment. Her family is working towards bringing her back to the UK as soon as possible.

Mrs. Nlandu’s husband, Professor Noel Mbala, said: “Although I am saddened that Marie Therese had to endure all of this alone and away from me and the children, I am very thankful to God and to all of those who helped us. This case demonstrates the good side of globalization; people can now act internationally on something in a remote part of the world. It is very important that people of good will unite to end injustice and save victims of injustice.”

Professor Mbala especially thanked CSW for its campaigning assistance: “It was important for us to see that God was with us in this hard time. Your emails helped us to see God’s hand moving in the midst of all of this.”

The head of Mrs. Nlandu’s defense team also thanked all the international actors and organisations that worked on the case. “Without their support this would never have happened”.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s National Director, Stuart Windsor, said: “We are delighted that Marie Therese has finally been set free, and it has been a privilege to campaign for such an inspiring woman. We hope that Marie Therese will be united with her family swiftly and that the traumatic ordeal for the whole family is finally ended.”