A prominent opposition figure in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jean-Marc Kabund, has been sentenced to seven years in prison by a top court in the country. The court found him guilty on 12 charges, including spreading false information and insulting the head of state, President Felix Tshisekedi.

Kabund had been in detention since August of the previous year when he was arrested for publicly criticizing President Tshisekedi and his government. He was a former vice-president of the DR Congo parliament and was once a close ally of President Tshisekedi before their falling out in early last year. Following their dispute, Kabund founded the Alliance for Change political party and had plans to run for president in the December elections.

Unfortunately, Kabund will not have the opportunity to appeal the court’s decision, as the rulings of the Court of Cassation, which sentenced him, are considered final and not subject to appeal.

Kadi Diko, Kabund’s lawyer, expressed the harshness of the sentence, particularly given the lack of an appeals process. According to Diko, Kabund received four months for each of the first nine charges and 16 months for each of the last three.

The case has raised concerns about political freedom and opposition rights in the DR Congo, with critics arguing that the government is cracking down on dissenting voices. Kabund’s sentencing has further intensified the debate over the state of democracy and political liberties in the country.