False evidence, delays and rumors appear to play an essential role in keeping the popular singer Lapiro de Mbanga in prison. In the meantime, Lapiro de Mbanga’s health deteriorates.
Lapiro de Mbanga, the Cameroonian musician and political opponent to the current president of the country, is seemingly facing endless trials and hearings. At a recent hearing a witness admitted to have signed a document without reading it. Other witnesses have failed to appear in court due to ‘travel expenses’.
Lapiro de Mbanga was accused of having encouraged a group of young people to destroy a banana plantation. According to Freemuse's research, what really happened was that the singer was found with a camera while attempting to document what happened at a demonstration.
With witnesses failing to appear and other witnesses contradiction their earlier statements, the court case continues to be postponed.
Three years Laprio de Mbanga is an activist of the Social Democratic Front and was detained a year ago. He has been sentenced three years imprisonment.
Freemuse has expressed its concern over the arrest and the conditions in prison to the president of Cameroon. Freemuse has also urged the European Commission Office in Cameroon to observe the trials.
In this complicated case, there are problems of leadership, tribalism and politics. Lapiro de Mbanga’s case is a political persecution in disguise, writes journalist Jen Bell
“This was an unfair trial. Now there must be lobbying actions,” said Dr Hilaire Kamga is president of NHRC, New Human Rights Cameroon, about Lapiro's court case
"This is the trial of the voiceless," said singer Lapiro de Mbanga when he was interviewed just a few hours before a court hearing on 24 June 2009 in Douala, Cameroon
“We are full of hope”, said Lapiro de Mbanga’s lawyer, Me Augustin Mbami, in an interview about which procedures are to be undertaken next, after losing the Appeal Court
Cameroon power system strikes back at the popular singer Lapiro de Mbanga. It seems obvious that he has not got a fair trial, says Freemuse programme officer
Lapiro de Mbanga’s sentence of three years imprisonment and the fine of FCFA 280 millions was confirmed at a court hearing on 24 June 2009 in Douala, reported Jen Bell
Singer Lapiro found himself leaving the court's witness box on 13 and 15 May 2009 without a verdict. The adjournments of his case appear to be never-ending
Lapiro de Mbanga was sentenced to three years in jail for taking part in anti-government riots. He is the author of several songs criticising the Cameroonian government.
International Pen Writers in Prison Committee sent this appeal on 7 august 2008 protesting the arrest and four-month detention of singer-songwriter Lapiro de Mbanga
Lapiro de Mbanga was in chains when he was brought to a court room on 9 July 2008, accused of causing anti-government riots. His case was adjourned to 23 July
Two musicians in Cameroun have been imprisoned for criticizing constitutional amendments which allows the country's president unlimited terms of office
