The decision was announced this Thursday, according to a statement from the Superior Council of the Judiciary, that VerAngola had access to.
"Five citizens were summarily tried and convicted this Thursday at the Belas District Court, Kilamba Kiaxi Courthouse, in Luanda, for vandalism and participation in a riot," the statement reads.
According to the indictment in this case, "the events occurred during the riots that occurred during the taxi drivers' strike, when the accused vandalized the premises of the Angomart and Arreiou supermarkets located in the Golf 2 neighborhood."
"Those involved were sentenced to one year, six months, and ten days in prison," the statement reads, adding that in addition to the prison sentence, "each must pay 25,000 kwanzas in court fees and 2000 kwanzas for their public defenders."
The defense, however, disagreed with the court's decision and filed an "ordinary appeal with suspensive effect."
Judge Edith Albino presided over the trial, where the Public Prosecutor's Office was represented by Magistrate Walter das Costa Cambongue.
More broadly, according to another statement from the Superior Council of the Judiciary, which VerAngola had access to, regarding the summary trials of citizens implicated in the riots and acts of vandalism recorded on July 28th and 29th, the aforementioned court held seven trials.
"Regarding the riots and acts of vandalism that occurred on July 28th and 29th, seven summary trials were held at the Luanda District Court, involving 33 citizens accused of participating in a riot," the statement reads, adding that "two trials have already been decided. In one of them, a female defendant was acquitted; while in the other, two citizens were sentenced to one year and nine months in prison."
The Belas District Court processed 10 cases. "The Belas District Court processed a total of 10 cases as part of the summary trials involving citizens implicated in the riots and acts of vandalism that occurred on July 28th and 29th. Ninety-three defendants were involved in the proceedings," the statement reads.
Of the 10 cases, three were sent to the judge of guarantees, while the other seven were sent to summary judgment.
