Nelson Ntamba, a human rights defender and journalist with Radio Communautaire de Muanda in the Province of Bas-Congo was severely assaulted by a Police Commandant and by members of the Congolese Armed Forces on 2 February 2007.

Michel Ntamba went to the local Council offices on 2 February to ask the authorities about a recent armed confrontation, which took place in several towns including Natadi, Boma and Muanda. According to official sources, the fighting resulted in the death of about 100 people, which included a dozen soldiers and police officers.

On arrival, Nelson Ntamba witnessed soldiers beating two young men who are been accused of killing an army commander. Suddenly, Nelson Ntamba was violently seized by Police Commandant, Michel Mbuyi and accused of being a spy. Other soldiers rushed in and beat Nelson Ntamba for several minutes. He received severe head injuries. Nelson Ntamba has made a formal complaint against the Police Commandant. Michel Mbuyi.

Front Line urges the authorities to carry out an immediate, independent investigation into the allegations of ill treatment suffered by Nelson Ntamba by members of the Congolese Armed Forces and the Police Commandant Michel Mbuyi, with the results made public and those found responsible brought to justice. Front Line also calls on the authorities to take measures to ensure that all human rights defenders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), carrying out their legitimate work in human rights, are able to operate free of all restrictions and harassment.