| Abstract: | The concept of the rights of defense is universally shared and applied by all actors in the trial in all the judicial systems and constitutes one of the pillars of the procedural law which are important for a fair trial. In the Democratic Republic of Congo these rights, corollary of the principle of the presumption of innocence, are enshrined in the Constitution. However, various aspects like e.g. the flagrant procedure, the length of the trials, the weak support of the councils and the lack of political will to implement the reforms contribute to the inefficiency to enjoy and to exercise these rights, constitutionally guaranteed, thus undermining the fairness of the procedures. Unjust treatment of the suspect or accused can disrupt the process to such an extent that it becomes impossible to gather the elements of a fair trial. |
AfricaBib 
Periodical article