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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 26805, member: 2262"] A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has given death sentences to 55 soldiers who ran away from battle and stole from local areas. These Armed Forces troops fled from M23 rebel fighters and then took items from towns near Lubero in North Kivu. The court met close to the fighting areas in Musienene State starting last Monday. Officials arrested 66 soldiers after they robbed places along National Road Number 2 when they retreated from battle. The soldiers caused fear among people in Lubero-Centre, Kimbulu, Musienene, and Butembo as they ran through these areas. Major Georges Nkuwa announced the harsh punishments on Friday night. Besides the death sentences, other soldiers received various prison terms. One must serve five years with forced labor, two will spend two years behind bars, and another will receive a one-year sentence. The court freed one soldier completely and continues to hear evidence against six others. Major Nkuwa explained these tough punishments aim to keep order among troops. He emphasized that discipline forms the essential foundation of military operations. The court plans to pursue any soldiers who abandon their positions or break military rules. Defense attorney Jules Muvweko plans to challenge the verdicts through an appeal process. He believes the court ignored important defense arguments during the trial. Muvweko stated they expected more soldiers would go free based on the evidence presented. This represents the fifth time military courts have met in Butembo to address cases of soldiers accused of breaking rules during combat against M23 rebels. [/QUOTE]

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