The last hearing of the trial against fifty people for the events of May 19 took place the day before in the military prison of Ndolo, where the court heard the last arguments of the defense lawyers and the prosecutor’s reply, thus closing the proceedings and must pass sentence, reported Radio Okapi. The entire defense pleaded not guilty and in favor of the acquittal of the accused, while the prosecution reiterated its request for the death penalty for the crimes of murder, illegal possession of weapons and munitions of war, criminal association, attempted murder, terrorism, attack and financing of terrorism.

Last May 19, people dressed in military uniform attacked the residence of the president of the National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe, at around 04:30 local time.

He and his family escaped unharmed from the incident, but the assailants then went to the Palace of the Nation, seat of the Presidency, where they were neutralized by the security and defense forces.

The trial against the accused began on June 7.

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