"ESCAPED" OPPOSITION LEADER TAKES REFUGE AT SOUTH

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000381 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM CG SUBJECT: "ESCAPED" OPPOSITION LEADER TAKES REFUGE AT SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY REF: KINSHASA 44 ¶1. (SBU) Following a March 2 Supreme Court hearing regarding the legality of his detention, Pastor Ngoy, a minor but vocal opposition leader, managed to elude his police guard to take refuge at the South African embassy. He had been jailed at Kinshasa Central Prison since December 31 for "offending the President" (reftel). ¶2. (SBU) According to South African poloff, Ngoy was offered protection, in accordance with the mandates of the South African constitution, when he claimed his life was in danger. As of March 7, Ngoy is still at the embassy where he will remain until the Supreme Court reaches a decision in his case. Per press reports, the South African ambassador has said he will consult with the DRC government before returning Ngoy, in the event that the Supreme Court rules against him. ¶3. (SBU) Comment: Given the political clumsiness of Ngoy's arrest, officials may have decided to look the other way as Ngoy "escaped" in order to rid themselves of the problem. End comment. MEECE