The freedom of demonstration has the test of the state of health emergency

In order to face the state of health emergency, the President of the Republic, Felix TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO, issued on March 20, 2020, an ordinance proclaiming the state of health emergency to face the pandemic of COVID-19, in this ordinance, several measures restricting public freedoms were taken, including the prohibition of the gathering of more than 20 people on the public square. Despite this ban, we have observed that several public demonstrations of protest have been organized, whether on the side of the UDPS, the party in power, citizen movements or the political opposition. How can we reconcile the exercise of this freedom of demonstration during the state of health emergency? Did the demonstrators accept to sacrifice their health life for the survival of democracy?

Autorentext

PONGO INYAMUENYI MerphyAdvogado na Ordem dos Advogados de Kwilu (antiga Ordem de Bandundu), República Democrática do Congo;Licenciado em Direito pela Universidade de Kinshasa, Faculdade de Direito e Departamento de Direito Público;Membro do Instituto para a Democracia, Boa Governação e Paz em África (IDGPA).