Democratic Republic of Congo opposition presidential hopeful, Moise Katumbi was given the go-ahead Friday to seek medical care abroad pending his trial for threatening state security.
Congolese Justice Minister Alexis Thambwe Mwamba told AFP that Mr Katumbi “asked for conditional release covered by a medical certificate saying he needed appropriate care abroad. The prosecutor agreed to the request and authorised his departure.”
“Katumbi can leave whenever he wants,” Mr Mwamba said.
On Thursday, officials announced that Mr Katumbi will be put on trial for threatening state security.
He was accused of hiring foreign mercenaries in an alleged plot against the state, which he denies.
Mr Katumbi’s lawyer said he had been in hospital since police had fired tear gas during a protest.
Prosecutors allowed him to travel for treatment on condition that he returned to face the criminal charges against him.
Lawyer Georges Kapiamba said Mr Katumbi was taken to hospital in Lubumbashi, after police fired tear gas at him and his supporters.
The politician was weak but boarded the flight unaided, he added.
Mr Katumbi has condemned the charges against him as an attempt to stall his campaign to replace President Joseph Kabila in November polls.
The 51-year-old is President Joseph Kabila’s leading rival for the country’s top job after recently announcing plans to stand against the long-serving head of state.
