2024-03-26 02:26:12
The highly anticipated trial for the assassination of Cameroonian journalist Martinez Zogo opened this Monday, March 25, 2024 in a heated atmosphere at the Yaoundé military court. A look back at a first day full of twists and turns and battles between the different parties, which augurs an explosive trial.
A courtroom under high tension
From 8:30 a.m., a large crowd gathered in front of the Yaoundé military court to witness this extraordinary trial which fascinates and divides Cameroon. Journalists, media, civil society, families and relatives of the 17 accused: all wanted to be at the forefront of this historic legal meeting, more than a year after the sordid assassination of journalist Martinez Zogo.
But entering the courtroom was an obstacle course with an impressive security system and the ban on telephones and recording objects. When the hearing finally starts at 10:30 a.m., the room is packed. The tension is palpable.
Heavily armed VIP defendants
Among the star defendants: businessman Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga and Cameroonian counter-espionage boss Maxime Eko Eko. Heavyweights with colossal means who line up a veritable armada of renowned lawyers. Eko Eko alone has eight, including two internationals! Amougou Belinga is defended by four tenors of the bar including Me Charles Tchoungang.
The surprise of the day was the arrival of journalist Bruno Bidjang, also charged, 2 hours late for the 16 other accused. He has the same lawyers as Amougou Belinga. Enough to fuel speculation about possible collusion.
Heated debates and shocking demands
For almost 4 hours, we witnessed heated debates and heated exchanges of arms between the different lawyers. The Amougou Belinga camp is pleading for a television broadcast of the trial, but Eko Eko’s counsel wants it to be held in camera!
Me Charles Tchoungang, Amougou Belinga’s lawyer, goes so far as to express doubts about the identity of Martinez Zogo’s remains, denying his wife Diane Zogo her status as a widow. “Indecent” and “inhumane” remarks which scandalize Me Félicité Ziefman, lawyer for the rights holders of the murdered journalist.
A court and magistrates in the viewfinder
The composition of the court is also controversial with magistrates suspected of “deals” with personalities at the top of the State such as Minister Laurent Esso. The magistrate Ms. Happi Tiani is particularly targeted by the rumors.
At the end of the hearing, the trial was postponed until April 15 for the court to decide on the parties’ requests, particularly on the witness lists. But one thing is certain: this first electric judicial round is only a preview of an explosive trial which could shake Cameroon to the top of the State. Shattering revelations are likely to rain down on this issue with its many gray areas. The soap opera has only just begun…