[JURIST] A United Nations [official website] human rights investigator declared "massive human rights violations at all levels" in the Democratic Republic of Congo [JURIST news archive] Monday. Titinga Frederic Pacere [UN press release] attacked the nation's justice system, describing the prison system as "deplorable and inhumane" and the justice system as "powerless and lack[ing] resources." Pacere's report cites too few judges, an inadequate budget, low salaries and potential for political pressures on the judiciary as factors contributing to the human rights violations. The report also states that Congolese security forces have harassed journalists and human rights advocates and used excessive force in thwarting peaceful demonstrations. Reuters has more.