DRC soldiers get death sentence for cowardice

A court in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced seven soldiers to death for cowardice in the face of the enemy and murder.

They were found to have fled advancing M23 rebels, retreating through the town of Sake where they killed two people by recklessly discharging their arms.

Lawyers for the soldiers said they would appeal.

Last November, three other soldiers were convicted of cowardice and sentenced to death.

In DRC, death sentences are commuted to life imprisonment.

Fighting in the mineral-rich North Kivu province has intensified, driving tens of thousands from their homes, despite a passionate appeal by Pope Francis to end conflicts when he visited the country last week. — BBC