The day before, the Court of Cassation concluded the testimony and considered itself sufficiently informed to move on to the next phase, which will take place on August 13, according to Actualite.CD.

Mutamba is accused of embezzling public funds totaling approximately $19 million, in a trial that has also been criticized as a politically charged case, given the enmity between the judges and the former head of the Justice Ministry.

Defense witnesses appeared on Wednesday, some of whom did not appear, including Prime Minister Judith Suminwa. However, the presiding judge said that those unable to testify would not be summoned again.

According to Radio Okapi, most of the witnesses helped exonerate the former Minister of Justice from the Prosecutor’s charges.

During the proceedings, two judges contraindicated by the defendant due to alleged enmity with Mutamba and the investigation into irregularities voluntarily withdrew from the hearings, so two new judges were appointed to ensure the impartiality of the trial.

The former Minister of Justice is being brought before the court for the alleged embezzlement of US$19.9 million, as well as contempt of court, after denouncing an alleged political conspiracy against him.

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