A military court in eastern Congo sentenced 66 soldiers to death, Radio Okapi reported, in a case the army said was intended partly to reinforce discipline during a security crisis in eastern Congo.
Radio Okapi said the case involved more than 70 soldiers before the Goma Garrison Military Court in North Kivu province. The court acquitted four defendants, while another received a 10-year prison sentence, the outlet reported.
The 66 soldiers were members of the Congolese army’s 3415th regiment, according to Radio Okapi. The outlet said they were reportedly arrested in Walikale territory on Oct. 20.
Radio Okapi reported that the court convicted the soldiers on three counts, including disobeying orders and cowardice.
