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DRC: Moise Katumbi supporters clash with police outside Lubumbashi court

Democratic Republic Of Congo

Thousands of supporters of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) opposition leader Moise Katumbi clashed with police on Friday in Lubumbashi.

Reports say that police pelted rocks at a crowd of protesters in the prosecutor’s office in Lubumbashi demanding the release of Katumbi. The former governor of Katanga province was back in court for the third time this week, on May 13, over allegations he hired foreign mercenaries to destabilise the government in Kinshasa. While Katumbi spent eight hours answering questions on May 9th and on the 11th, the G7 presidential candidate left the courthouse around 90 minutes after his arrival and after his lawyers had said he was assaulted.

According to his defense, the hearing was adjourned to Monday, as the judge allowed Katumbi to seek medical assistance for his injuries.

DRC Presidential elections are due to be held in November 2016, but Kabila has not commented publicly on whether he plans to step down when his second term expires, as required by the constitution.

DRC police pelt Moise Katumbi's supporters with tear gas and rocks outside Lubumbashi court https://t.co/c0k0F854YS via IBTimesUK

— Mukelenge Kasiala (Mkasiala) May 13, 2016

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