Nlandu, a mother of four and described by friends as a “committed Christian”, was detained in November 2006 and charges one month later with "inciting insurrection and possessing illegal firearms as well as setting fire to the Supreme Court."
Human rights groups, including Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said the charges were made "even though she was already in police custody at the time this attack occurred." Although a civilian, Nlandu was tried before a military tribunal.
CSW, which closely monitored the case, told BosNewsLife that the trial, which began in January, "has been repeatedly adjourned, with the judges failing to convene on designated trial dates for over a month."
PROSECUTION "FAILED"
In addition, the prosecution allegedly failed to produce real evidence against her, while later several witnesses reportedly admitted receiving bribes to testify against Nlandu. "Her continued imprisonment led to speculation that the trial was politically motivated," CSW added.
Nlandu returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo from her home in London last year to contest the presidential elections. She was later retained for her legal expertise by Jean Pierre Bemba, the main opponent to President Joseph Kabila to challenge the provisional results of the second round run-off, which were announced on November 15.
Nlandu has reportedly been seriously ill during her imprisonment and human rights groups said she was repeatedly denied adequate medical treatment. "Her family is working towards bringing her back to the UK as soon as possible," said CSW, which has been in close contact with Nlandu and her family.
In a first published reaction, Nlandu’s husband, Professor Noel Mbala, said that although he was "saddened that Marie Therese had to endure all of this alone and away" from him and the children, he was "very thankful to God and to all of those who helped" the family.
FIGHTING "INJUSTICE"
"This case demonstrates the good side of globalization; people can now act internationally on something in a remote part of the world. It is very important that people of good will unite to end injustice and save victims of injustice," he said, adding that e-mails from Christians and the international campaign for her release was "God’s hand moving…"
Nlandu’s defense team said that without the international action the release "would never have happened." It was not immediately clear where the other nine co-defendants were released, but that was expected shortly.
CSW National Director Stuart Windsor said in a statement that his group is "delighted that Marie Therese Nlandu has finally been set free, and it has been a privilege to campaign for such an inspiring woman."
He said CSW hopes "that Marie Therese will be united with her family swiftly and that the traumatic ordeal for the whole family is finally ending." (With reporting from the Democratic Republic of Congo).
