Former Congolese Prime Minister Matata Ponyo Mapon freed from house arrest News
© WikiMedia (Primaturerdc)
Former Congolese Prime Minister Matata Ponyo Mapon freed from house arrest

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) released former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo Mapon from house arrest on Wednesday after he agreed to cooperate with the investigation about the alleged misappropriation of government funds. According to Mapon’s lawyer, Laurent Onyemba, the house arrest order was lifted late on Wednesday evening.

DRC prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Mapon on Tuesday over allegations that Mapon misappropriated government funds totaling $140 million during his term as finance minister. He was subsequently placed under house arrest. According to prosecutors, Mapon ordered payments to people “without valid claims to government compensation under a law meant to reimburse foreign business people who had properties seized in the 1970s.” Mapon denied such allegations. 

Onyemba stated that there is no evidence of payments to phantom creditors and that Mapon is now ready to answer any questions from prosecutors. Mapon had previously refused to speak to prosecutors when his parliamentary immunity was still in effect. This immunity was lifted last week. 

 

 

 

 

 

THIS DAY @ LAW

Hitler and Nazis attempt failed coup in Beer Hall Putsch

Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party attempted an ill-faited coup in Munich, Germany on November 8, 1923. Instead of seizing power, the conspirators suffered 15 casualties and their leaders were arrested, including Hitler. The future dictator would spend a year in prison as a result, where he would write his infamous Mein Kampf. Learn more about the Beer Hall Putsch.

Oregon legalized physician-assisted suicide

On November 8, 1994, Oregon passed the Death With Dignity Act by voter initiative, becoming the first US state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. Read the Death With Dignity Act,

France government opens the Louvre as a public museum

On November 8, 1793, the revolutionary government in France opened the Louvre for the first time as a public museum. Learn more about the history of the Louvre.