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The Democratic Republic of Congo’s former justice minister, Constant Mutamba, could face 10 years in prison if convicted of embezzlement.
Prosecutors accuse him of attempting to divert nearly $20 million in public funds earmarked for building a prison in Kisangani. In closing arguments on Wednesday, they called for a decade of hard labour and a 10-year ban on his right to vote or run for office.
Mutamba’s defence argued there was no evidence of stolen funds, saying he had informed the General Inspectorate of Finance and other oversight bodies to track payments to the construction company — a move they say demonstrates his good faith.
A 2023 presidential candidate who campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, Mutamba is also known for his judicial reforms and outspoken criticism of the legal system, which has put him at odds with magistrates.
The verdict is expected on 27 August.
