By David Atangana
The 17 suspects on trial for the murder of journalist Martinez Zogo have pleaded not guilty before the Yaoundé Military Tribunal.
The presiding judge, Colonel Njone Jacques, ordered the arraignment of the accused after over six hours of intense debates, dismissing further preliminary objections raised by defense lawyers.
Among the accused are business tycoon Jean Pierre Amougou Belinga, former head of the military spy unit Maxim Eko Eko, and the unit’s head of operations, Justin Danwe.
Each defendant entered their plea when the hearing resumed on Monday, September 9, 2024.
The charges against them include murder, complicity, and torture.
The State of Cameroon is a civil party in the case, as several of its security operatives are implicated in the journalist’s murder.
The trial had been delayed since March due to preliminary objections by the defense, challenging the legal procedures.
These objections were overruled by both the military and appellate courts, allowing the case to proceed.
However, the court did not fully open for submissions from the prosecution and defense, as defense lawyers requested an adjournment to better prepare their case.
Initially united in their approach, the defense team is now split, with various arguments emerging.
“The next stage will be to present to the court all forms of human rights violated in the case against our clients.We shall seek to proof that the law was not respected,” Counsel for Maxim Eko Eko told reporters shortly after the arraignment.
Former Bar Council President, Charles Tchoungang, who is the attorney for Jean Pierre Amougou Belinga, said, “The law is keen to know who assassinated Martinez Zogo.”
The trial was adjourned to September 30, 2024, for a continuation of hearings.
All the accused remain in pre-trial detention at Kondengui Maximum Security Prison.
