The legal representatives of opposition deputy Dominique Yandocka are urging his release after his arrest at dawn on December 15 on accusations of plotting to overthrow the constitutional order. Despite the opposition and civil society condemning his arrest as arbitrary and intimidating, the prosecution justified his detention, citing “flagrancy,” even in the face of Yandocka’s parliamentary immunity, before initiating a judicial investigation.
In a letter dated January 8 addressed to the chief examining magistrate Mathieu Nana Bibi, Yandocka’s lawyers denounce irregularities in the criminal procedure. They emphasize that the arrest and detention of a parliamentarian enjoying immunity are only permissible in cases of flagrante delicto or when the individual is fleeing after committing the alleged offenses.
No evidence of flagrancy
According to lawyers Bruno Gbiegba and Nicolas Tiangaye, there is no demonstration of “flagrancy” through any evidence or documentation, and parliamentary immunity has not been revoked. Consequently, the lawyers argue that Yandocka’s detention is illegal, and the deputy representing the 1st constituency of the 4th district of Bangui should be released while the investigation continues.
Allegations of a “conspiracy”
Prosecutor Benoit Narcisse Foukpio responded to this plea in a press release on January 10, defending the “flagrancy” argument in the context of an alleged “conspiracy.” He called for “serenity” during the ongoing investigation. On December 18, he claimed that Yandocka had “conversed with well-identified individuals to mobilize funds and purchase military equipment to overthrow the constitutional order.”
Dominique Yandocka is currently held at the Roux camp, where he receives regular visits from his family and legal representatives. The legal battle surrounding his detention underscores the delicate balance between parliamentary immunity and legal proceedings in the Central African Republic.