Goma – A pastor accused of child abduction appeared in court on Wednesday in Democratic Republic of Congo, after two dozen children reportedly disappeared.
Jean Omari, pastor of the Christian Church for All Nations Emmanuel, appeared in the eastern city of Goma on charges he was involved in the disappearance of dozens of children.
The 45-year-old has been imprisoned since the beginning of the month, although his lawyers have unsuccessfully called for his release.
No more specifics were given, but the names of a dozen missing children were read out to a hushed courtroom before an adjournment until October 19.
Omari was returned to his cell as tensions mounted outside a chaotic court.
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Supporters of the pastor gathered outside, some in tears and others chanting the innocence of the religious leader, whose church has some 4 000 followers.
Parents of some of the missing children attended the session to demand action against the pastor.
Security forces cleared the crowds after the hearing.
Parent Jean Bosco Bonane told AFP outside the courtroom that in total 24 children are missing, some for more than one year.
“We are waiting for the pastor to return our children to us,” he told AFP.
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Source: AFP
Picture: Pixabay
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