JAKARTA - The Congolese Court sentenced three Chinese nationals to seven years in prison. They were arrested for possessing gold bars and 400.000 US dollars in cash and found guilty of illegal mining activities.

The three are the first Chinese nationals to stand trial since the Democratic Republic of Congo cracked down on unlicensed extraction of valuable and strategic minerals buried in its eastern region hit by conflict.

"This is a educational trial that is usually a warning to all Chinese citizens who think they can leave China, arrive in Kitutu, Kibe, Lugushwa, Kamituga or Mwenga and behave as if they are in their own room, without even paying hotel fees," Christian Wanduma, a lawyer representing the local community at the trial.

Judges in court in Bukavu, the eastern capital of southern Kivu province, on Tuesday found the defendants guilty of money laundering, illegal purchases and possession of mineral materials, and other charges.

In addition to prison sentences, the judge ordered them to pay a fine equivalent to 600,000 dollars and permanently prohibit them from entering Congo after their sentences were served.

The defendants pleaded guilty to four of the seven charges against them, but said throughout the trial that they did not know they violated Congo's law before they were arrested on January 4.

Their lawyers said they would appeal the decision.

Congo has struggled to stop unlicensed companies and local armed groups exploiting reserves of cobalt, copper, gold, and other minerals.

Protesters took to the streets in Bukavu last week after a Chinese man who was arrested on suspicion of illegal mining in a separate case was released.

Our military has been looted by companies that mostly belong to China and our society are still in extreme poverty, roads are badly damaged, we have difficulty accessing drinking water, health services, education, electricity, and employment services, "said civilian leader Nene Bintu in a demonstration.


The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)