In Cameroon, the Martinez Zogo affair, named after the amplitude FM radio host, kidnapped, tortured and then murdered in January 2023 near Yaoundé, has sparked a wave of indignation in the country. The ninth hearing opened this Monday, September 30, at the Yaoundé military court. While we were to enter a decisive phase with the start of the substantive debates, the defendants’ counsel demanded the release of their clients.
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With our correspondent in Yaoundé, Richard Onanena
For two hours, the lawyer of Amougou Belinga, businessman and boss of a media group accused of complicity in this affair, denounced what he considers to be violations of his client’s rights. Maître Charles Tchoungang deplores in particular searches without a warrant, at odd hours and the absence of reports for these searches.
For the government commissioner, these objections of nullity are premature, because, until now, no one has had access to the file, apart from the public prosecutor.
Defense lawyers also questioned the procedure which led to the arrest of the accused, denouncing the absence of a preliminary investigation.
“ When a body is discovered, no need for preliminary investigation “, replies Maître Assira, lawyer for the Directorate of External Research (DGRE) before adding that “ there is directly a flagrant investigation “.
The state representative also called on the court to reclassify the charges as murder, and to reject Amougou Belinga’s request for provisional release.
Also readMartinez Zogo case in Cameroon: a final postponement before the opening of the substantive debates