Rebo Tchulo sentenced to suspended prison term in DRC

The Kinshasa-Ngaliema military garrison tribunal has delivered a verdict regarding Congolese singer Déborah Tshimpaka Mulanga, known professionally as Rebo Tchulo. The artist was found guilty of inciting military personnel to commit acts contrary to the law and discipline of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Armed Forces (FARDC).

Rebo Tchulo was sentenced to 12 months of criminal servitude, suspended for 24 months. She will not face imprisonment provided she adheres to the conditions of the suspension. The court also lifted a previous travel ban imposed by the military prosecutor, restoring her freedom of movement and allowing her to resume her artistic activities.

Regarding financial penalties, the tribunal rejected a claim for $250,000 in damages against the singer. Instead, the court ordered the Republic to pay $20,000 in damages. Her lawyer, Jean-Marie Kabengela Ilunga, stated that the decision allows his client to regain full freedom of movement and continue her professional career.