Biya to free 2008 riot convicts

Written by Steven A. Ojong

Wednesday, 12 May 2010 15:19

YAOUNDE—President Paul Biya will take advantage of the 50 years of the Independence of Cameroun and the Re-unification to free prisoners jailed over their roles in the February 2008 riot, say Unity Palace sources.

It is not immediately clear at what exact time the president, who is currently out of the country, would make the announcement but one occasion being cited is the Bamenda event to mark 50 years of Cameroon military.

Most of the inmates, including Lapiro de Mbanga, the national pop star who became popular in the nineties with his anti-Yaounde hits, are held at the New Bell prison Douala.

Hundreds of young people were arrested following the riot in which NGOs said 100 people died. Some were quickly tried and jailed but were later released following an earlier clemency.

However, many more whose trial lasted long after the clemency announcement went to jail after being found guilty of crimes ranging from looting and destruction to provoking public disorder.

The planned clemency is likely to be received with joy an enthusiasm. But Lapiro is quoted as saying he is determined to serve his complete time regardless of the offer of grace.

The artiste, who was found guilty of inciting rioting in his hometown of Mbaga, has always contested his sentence. At one point, he threatened to take up his case with an international human rights court.