11 militiamen in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been jailed for life for raping about 40 children.
The convicts raped the girls between 2013 and 2016 including babies in some instances.
All the victims were aged between eight months and 12 years old.
The 11 militiamen all belong to one group with their leader who was a local Member of Parliament Frederic Batumike also among those jailed.
The conviction and sentencing has been hailed by rights groups who hoped this could signal a possible resolve to end sexual violence against girls and women.
Lawyer for the victims Charles Cubaka Cicura told Reuters that the sentencing is “a strong signal to anyone who would contemplate this kind of offence,”
A total of 18 went on trial and their victims are to receive $5,000 each in compensation, with $15,000 going to the families of those who the militia murdered.
Source: Africafeeds.com
