Goma – An evangelical pastor in Democtratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who was accused of abducting children after a dozen reportedly went missing was acquitted on Thursday, according to an AFP correspondent present in court.
Jean Omari, pastor of the Christian Church for All Nations Emmanuel, had been held on remand since last month in the eastern city of Goma where he was tried.
He is an influential figure in the city, reputed for his fiery sermons and his claimed miracle work.
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A military tribunal examining the case acquitted Omari on Thursday, according to an AFP reporter who was present.
But three of his co-defendants were sentenced to death for their alleged role in the spate of child kidnappings.
Supporters of Omari let out cries of joy in the courtroom after the verdict was read.
In practice, the death penalty in the Democratic Republic of Congo is commuted to life imprisonment.
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Source: AFP
Picture: Pixabay
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