Seven Individuals Sentenced for Vandalism During Taxi Strike in Luanda

Luanda: Seven people were sentenced this Wednesday to one year and eight months in prison by the Luanda District Court for vandalism and looting, following the riots during the recent taxi drivers' strike. According to Angola Press News Agency, the trials, taking place at the Dona Ana Joaquina Palace, are part of a series of summary proceedings underway against those implicated in the acts of disorder and destruction of public and private property that occurred in recent days in the Angolan capital. The individuals implicated were also ordered to pay a fine of 50,000 kwanzas, while two of them were acquitted. Five summary trials are underway simultaneously, involving 22 defendants, all accused of participating in a riot. At the Dona Ana Joaquina Palace and the Support Unit for the Guarantee Judge (Casa 90), other detained citizens are expected to appear in court throughout the day for questioning. In the municipality of Belas, three summary proceedings are also underway, involving 15 defendants charged wit h robbery, vandalism, aggravated theft, and public incitement to commit a crime. At the Dande District Court, 61 citizens await presentation to the Guarantee Judge for their first judicial questioning, which will subsequently determine the coercive measures to be applied. According to a judicial source, the coordinated work between the National Police, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the courts should allow for an increase in the number of trials in the coming days, with a view to holding those involved in the acts of vandalism criminally accountable.