Rédaction Africa Links 24 with PIERRE TAHINGAM
Published on 2024-04-01 14:18:51
The Bar Association has decided to suspend the strike that began on March 4, 2024, following the arrest of the lawyer and politician, Me Crépin Mboli-Goumba.
A month after the stoppage, lawyers have resumed court hearings in the Central African Republic. The men in black robes had gone on strike following the “arbitrary” arrest and detention of Me Crépin Mboli-Goumba.
Speaking to RFI, the Bâtonnier Émile Bizon explains the conditions for resuming work: “The conviction of Me Mboli-Goumba cannot be a cause for satisfaction for the lawyers. However, taking into account the interests of the litigants, the lawyers have decided, with responsibility, to resume court hearings. However, they remain vigilant and will be ready to denounce any abuses within the judicial system. The lawyers had decided to suspend their participation in hearings primarily because of the arbitrary arrest and detention of Me Mboli-Goumba. In addition, the Keeper of the Seals had refused to meet with the lawyers who wanted to speak with him to draw his attention to these serious human rights violations.”
It is important to note that Me Crépin Mboli-Goumba, coordinator of the main opposition platform in the Central African Republic, was sentenced to one year of suspended prison on March 27 for “defamation” and “outrage to a magistrate.”
The court ordered the lifting of the travel ban and the return of his belongings (mobile phone, computer, passport), as well as the payment of 30,000,000 FCFA to Alain Gbanziale and 20,000,000 to the other plaintiffs in FCFA.
Read the original article(French) on Journal de Bangui
