Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Brazzaville (Agenzia Fides) - "Free the political prisoners who have not been duly judged". Is the appeal that the Bishops of the Republic of Congo launched to the national authorities at the end of their 45th Plenary Assembly.
In a declaration, the text of which was sent to Agenzia Fides, says "the imprisonment of political leaders, of candidates in the presidential elections, of members of the team of election campaigns of candidates, constitutes an insurmountable suffering, not only for families but also for Congolese peace lovers. This situation cannot leave us indifferent. We, Bishops of Congo, in the Year of the extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, ask the President of the Republic, to free all political prisoners not properly judged".
Recalling the riots which have followed since the end of September in the Pool region, between the military and the militia of "Pastor Tumi", alias Frédéric Bitsamou (see Fides 06/10/2016), the Bishops also launch2 an appeal for peace. Addressing the politicians they say: "we want to stress that true dialogue is the corner stone of any genuine democracy. We ask you strongly to work for the return of peace in Congo in general and in particular in Pool. May the State assume its responsibilities as guarantor of peace and national unity". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 20/10/2016)
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