Opposition leader jailed

A DRC court has jailed an opposition politician for seven years after finding him guilty on 12 charges, including spreading false rumours and insulting the head of state. Jean-Marc Kabund was detained in August last year for criticising President Felix Tshisekedi and his government. Kabund, who is a former parliamentary Vice-President, formed the Alliance for Change political party and intended to run for office in the December elections. BBC News reports that he will not have an opportunity for appeal as the decisions of the Court of Cassation, which convicted him, are final and not subject to appeal. ‘This is an extremely harsh decision, especially as there is no appeal,’ his lawyer Kadi Diko said.