23 Congolese soldiers face death penalty or prison for alleged desertion or crimes

At least 23 Congolese soldiers are facing the death penalty or 10 to 20 years in prison following their arraignment on Monday for alleged rape, desertion and other crimes amid the fighting in the country’s conflict-battered east, according to Congo’s army.

The soldiers were brought before a military court in Butembo territory in North Kivu province, according to army spokesman Lt. Col. MaK Hazukay. Security forces have been fighting…