In the Eye of Justice: Defense Lawyers React to James Mouangue Kobila's Sexual Harassment Accusations

defense lawyers representing Mrs. Nkouete Messah, also known as Mrs. Kouobou Tsemo Judith Espérance, have issued a statement addressing recent developments and media coverage surrounding the matter.

The attorneys express their dismay at what they describe as tendentious and misleading publications in certain press outlets and on social media platforms. These publications, they assert, have portrayed a biased narrative suggesting unfavorable outcomes for their client, Mrs. Tsemo.

They highlight the proliferation of headlines such as 'Mrs. Tsemo dismissed and condemned by the court' and 'Checkmate for Mrs. Tsemo,' citing sources purportedly from the Communication Cell of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CHRC), where the accused, Mr. Mouangue Kobila, holds the position of president.

The statement outlines the sequence of events leading up to the legal proceedings, including Mrs. Tsemo's filing of a complaint against Mr. Mouangue Kobila for various offenses, such as sexual harassment, private indecency, conditional threats, blackmail, minor injuries, and defamation, during her tenure at the CHRC.

It notes Mr. Mouangue Kobila's failure to appear in court for hearings related to the charges and his initiation of disciplinary proceedings against Mrs. Tsemo within the CHRC. The defense lawyers criticize the dismissal of their client by Mr. Mouangue Kobila before the conclusion of an urgent interlocutory procedure seeking to halt the disciplinary proceedings.

Emphasizing the legal principle of 'the criminal holds the civil in suspense,' the attorneys assert that the dismissal of Mrs. Tsemo by Mr. Mouangue Kobila renders her request for discontinuation of the disciplinary proceedings moot.

The statement concludes with a denouncement of what they term a "vicious strategy of disinformation and manipulation of public opinion" aimed at tarnishing their client's reputation. They clarify that recent judicial decisions only pertain to the interlocutory procedure and do not impact the ongoing criminal proceedings against Mr. Mouangue Kobila.

Finally, the defense lawyers announce their intention to challenge the dismissal of Mrs. Tsemo by the CHRC, signaling their commitment to vigorously defend their client's rights in the legal arena.