Batamoussi case: CRIET earthquake

The Court of Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET) saw one of its judges resign in the person of Essowé Batamoussi for reason of interference of the executive power in the management of the institution. A reason that the government rejects through the rank of the Seals.

The now exiled resigner goes further by saying at the microphone of RFI that Madougou's case was not strong enough for detention and that their independence is being undermined. “The judge that I am is not independent as it should be. All the decisions we had to make, were under pressure. I will quote the last one which saw the placement of lady Reckya Madougou in detention. In this file, we were asked by the Chancellery because the file did not contain any element that could decide us to put her in detention.. " It was not the first time. There are quite a few cases where we have received instructions from the chancellery, ›› argued Judge Batamoussi on French radio.

It should be remembered that the unsuccessful candidate of “Democrats” Reckya Madougou was imprisoned in the civil prison of Missérété after being remanded in custody by the CRIET. The former Minister of Justice under the Boni Yayi regime is prosecuted for terrorist financing according to the statements of the special prosecutor, Mario Metonou.

The Keeper of the Seals denies any involvement of power

Faced with these allegations of the now resigned who discredits the decisions taken by the CRIET, the Minister of Justice, Séverin Quenum brushes aside his assertions and points to political manipulation behind this act. “In the current context in which he makes this statement, it is a biased statement, it's a statement elicited. It will be neither more nor less than a political manipulation. ». The head of justice adds a layer by declaring "This magistrate, I do not know him. I never spoke to her, although being Keeper of the seals that he calls into question. You know very well that Madougou and his so-called radical opposition political allies swear by all the gods that the election of 11 April will not take place and that they will cause an insurrection intended to put an end to the mandate of the incumbent president. », he hinted.  otherwise, he denies any interference by the chancellery in the Madougou case and considers that the judges are independent, contrary to the words of the resigning judge and on the run Essowé Batamoussi. “There is no instruction given. It was not even necessary to give instructions. What instructions are needed in a terrorist financing file ? We didn't say it. Judges are independent and subject only to the rule of law. », Does he hammer.

Leonard SONEHEKPON