In the Central African Republic, MP Dominique Yandocka was sentenced this Thursday, December 26 to one year of imprisonment by the criminal court of Bangui for “ offense of conspiracy ». The defense intends to appeal to the Court of Cassation, and the sentence has already been served by the political opponent.
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With our correspondent in Bangui, Rolf Steve Domia-leu
Arrested at his home on December 15, 2023 despite his parliamentary immunity, opponent Dominique Yandocka was prosecuted for “ plot and attempted coup d’état “. The main piece of evidence was the recording of a conversation between the deputy and three people, including two members of the presidential guard. The latter then accused him of wanting to prepare a coup d’état.
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In his indictment, Attorney General Jacques Ouakara recognized the illegality of the method used by the three witnesses to extract information from Dominique Yandocka, but he denounced the MP’s participation in what he describes as a conspiracy. The public prosecutor requested two years of imprisonment against the opponent and five years of imprisonment against the three witnesses who did not take part in the trial.
Appeal to the Court of Cassation
After deliberation, the court gave its verdict. Thierry Joachim Pessiré is its president: “ The Court disqualifies the crime of endangering the internal security of the state as an offense of conspiracy. Finds Yandocka Dominique Éphrem guilty of the offense of conspiracy in application of article 286 paragraph 4 of the criminal law. In repression, grants him a mitigating circumstance, sentences him to one year of imprisonment in application of article 50 of the Penal Code. »
A sentence already served by the opponent, before his trial. But the MP’s defense is not completely satisfied. “ The defense is disappointed because the facts alleged against our client are not established. There was no conspiracy. When we talk about conspiracy, there must be a common project, a resolution to act, which is not the case. We expected a frank decision of acquittal », Declares Maître Albert Panda, one of his lawyers.
The defense intends to appeal to the Court of Cassation to challenge this judgment. In a note published after this verdict, the Attorney General ordered the release of Dominique Yandocka. An arrest warrant has been issued for the three witnesses, who are still at large.
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