Head of large Congo human rights group found dead

[Judi Lynn]

Source: The Associated Press

Head of large Congo human rights group found dead
The Associated Press
Thursday, June 3, 2010; 5:09 AM

KINSHASA, Congo -- The head of one of Congo's largest human rights groups has been found dead under what a leading international rights organization called suspicious circumstances.

The body of Floribert Chebeya Bahizire of Voix des Sans Voix, or Voice of the Voiceless, was found in his car Wednesday in a suburb of Congo's capital.

Amnesty International says he may have been killed for his work. The rights group said Chebeya had felt he was often followed and under surveillance by security forces.

The Interior Ministry has ordered police to investigate the death.


Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/03/AR2010060300782.html

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Floribert Chebeya Bahizire

[Judi Lynn]

1. DR Congo human rights activist found dead in Kinshasa

Page last updated at 9:02 GMT, Thursday, 3 June 2010 10:02 UK
DR Congo human rights activist found dead in Kinshasa

A leading rights activist in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been found dead in the capital, Kinshasa. Floribert Chebeya's body was discovered, partially clothed, on the back seat of his own car.

A BBC reporter says Mr Chebeya had received regular threats from police in the past, and had been ordered to meet the national police chief on Tuesday.

Rights group Amnesty International says oppression of activists in DR Congo is growing.

The BBC's Thomas Fessy in Kinshasa says condoms and traces of female hair were found in the car, and that Mr Chebeya's driver had gone missing.

It is unclear whether or not the meeting between the head of the national police force, John Numbi, and Mr Chebeya went ahead.

Mr Chebeya sent a text message to his wife saying that he was at the police headquarters for the meeting, but no more was heard from him after that, our reporter says.

More:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/10223564.stm

[catgirl]

5. It sounds like the scene was staged

And his driver haas gone missing...

[LeftishBrit]

2. That is truly terrible news.

[Solly Mack]

3. k/r

[aquart]

4. Damn. What courage he had.

[burnsei sensei]

6. Like the Congo,

Voice of the Voiceless must flow on.
Let at least ten others arise in his place to continue his work.