In Cameroon, the request for bail for businessman Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, charged with “complicity in torture by aid” in the context of the kidnapping case, followed by torture and killing of host Martinez Zogo, was rejected this Thursday, April 27 in Yaoundé.
With our correspondent in Yaoundé, Polycarp Essomba
The hearing was expedited. Barely fifteen minutes, the time for the president of the court of appeal of the center to notify Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, the rejection of his cause: bail.
At the end of the hearing, the businessman, strapped in a midnight blue suit, remained impassive, in contrast to his relatives and collaborators, who rushed to the outskirts of the court and who hardly concealed their pain. The tycoon then got back on board the prison administration’s mini-bus which brought him back, under good escort, to the main prison in Yaoundé Kondengui.
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Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga will therefore remain there at least until the opening of the trial on the assassination of journalist Martinez Zogo. Unless he decides to opt for another recourse. Asked about the issue, one of his lawyers, master Charles Tchougang, said that the possibility exists. But, at the moment, no decision has been made.
Decision on May 11 on another motion
On the second part of the request of the lawyers of Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, who claim that copies of the investigation file be sent to them, the court deemed it admissible on the merits and postponed its decision to May 11.
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The businessman is indicted, along with several other defendants since March 4, 2023, for “complicity in torture by aid” in the context of the case of the kidnapping, followed by the torture and the killing of Martinez Zogo, former director of Amplitude FM radio which broadcasts in Yaoundé.