Kinshasa, 7 June 2009 - Alan Doss, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in the DRC, condemns the illegal and forced release of a prisoner in the central prison of Goma following the intimidation of the authorities of the State by about sixty heavily armed troops, who besieged the prison last Friday 5 June last. The troops demanded the release of Mr. François Gacaba, who had been condemned on February 3 last to 20 years in prison by the military tribunal for several infringements, including rape.

The Special Representative pointed out that rape is among the most serious crimes against humanity.

"This act of intimidation and the illegal release constitute an attack against the justice system and the legitimate institutions of the country, and weaken the efforts of the Congolese government to fight impunity."

MONUC demands of the Congolese authorities to apply firm measures against the authors of this serious incident, which compromises the authority of the state and the fight against sexual violence.