DRC: a complaint filed against an actress in Kinshasa

Kinshasa, August 17^th, 2025 (CPA).- A case against an actress for violating public morality has been filed with the Public Prosecutor of the Democratic Republic of Congo at the High Court of Kinshasa-Gombe by the High Council for Audio-visual and Communication (CSAC), according to a statement received on Saturday by CPA.  « The CSAC accuses the artist Labista Moana, alias Tshabatshuba of performing a series of obscene dances known as “Magoda” in public places in Kinshasa, which have been widely shared on digital platforms. These acts constitute an apology for immorality, in violation of the laws governing press freedom and the regulation of audio-visual content in DRC, » it is read in this document.  ‘The CSAC relies in particular on Article 35 of Ordinance-Law No. 023/009 of March 13th 2023, which authorises the arrest of any natural or legal person in the event of a breach of ethics or morality in the media,’ the statement has added.  According to the source, despite several reminders, the actress has not presented her defence. ‘She is now required to respond to the charges against her within seven working days, failing which she will be subject to the penalties provided for by law,’ the document has specified.  The CSAC has also reaffirmed, through this action, its commitment to preserve public morality and ensure strict supervision of artistic expression in the country’s media and public spaces.  CPA/KAPINGA