Belgian Lawyer Files Complaint Against Journalist Pero Luwara

A Congolese lawyer, Jean-Marie Kabengela, has traveled to Belgium to submit additional evidence in a complaint he filed against journalist Pero Luwara in February. The complaint alleges that Luwara incited genocide and hate speech. Kabengela stated that his presence in Belgium was to provide further elements to the complaint, including videos where Luwara allegedly incited people to genocide.

The complaint filed by Kabengela identifies him as one of the victims of alleged incitement to tribal hatred, genocide, and apology for terrorism. He seeks to have penal proceedings initiated against Luwara, who has residences in Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kabengela specifically mentioned that Luwara has residences in Tienen, Belgium, and several locations in Kinshasa, including Bandalungwa, Kasa-Vubu, Mont-Ngafula, and Lemba.

According to Kabengela, Luwara's actions include inciting people to take up arms against members of the Luba ethnic group, simply because the current President of the Republic, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, belongs to that group. Kabengela also stated that he was one of the lawyers who contributed to demonstrating the culpability of former President Joseph Kabila.

The Belgian authorities have taken a preventive measure against Luwara, which Kabengela attributes to his complaint. This measure aims to prevent Luwara from amplifying his alleged criminal activities and causing harm to potential victims. Kabengela described this measure as preventive, intending to stop Luwara from further inciting hatred and violence.

Kabengela's complaint also denounces incitement to tribal hatred against himself, President Tshisekedi, and several other individuals. Luwara allegedly posted photos of these individuals on social media, inciting people to take action against them.

The Congolese press agency, ACP, reported that Kabengela's visit to Belgium was to provide additional evidence to support his complaint. The agency did not provide further details on the content of the videos or other elements submitted.

The case highlights the issue of hate speech and incitement to violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the challenges of prosecuting such cases, particularly when they involve individuals residing abroad. The Congolese government and international community have been working to address these issues and promote accountability for hate speech and other forms of violence.

Key points

• A Congolese lawyer has filed a complaint against journalist Pero Luwara in Belgium, accusing him of inciting genocide and hate speech.
• The complaint alleges that Luwara incited people to take up arms against members of the Luba ethnic group.
• The Belgian authorities have taken a preventive measure against Luwara, which aims to prevent him from amplifying his alleged criminal activities.