Alice Nkom: Condamnation for Bris Scellés at REDHAC, 1-Year Suspended

• Me Alice Nkom, a prominent human rights lawyer, was convicted by the Tribunal de Première Instance de Douala-Bonanjo for "bris de scellés."
• She received a one-year suspended prison sentence for five years, along with a 500,000 FCFA fine and 62,100 FCFA in court costs.
• The charge stemmed from an incident at the headquarters of the Réseau des défenseurs des droits humains en Afrique centrale (REDHAC), involving the State of Cameroon.
• Opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary, exiled in Gambia, publicly reaffirmed his full support for Me Alice Nkom two days after her conviction.
• Due to her age, Me Nkom was exempted from "contrainte par corps," which would have involved imprisonment for non-payment of financial penalties.

The conviction of Me Alice Nkom for "bris de scellés" marks the conclusion of a protracted legal confrontation between the Cameroonian state and the human rights activist.

Me Alice Nkom, a distinguished human rights lawyer in Cameroon, was recently convicted by the Tribunal de Première Instance de Douala-Bonanjo. The verdict, delivered on a Monday, found her guilty of "bris de scellés," a charge pertaining to the breaking of official seals. This legal action stemmed from an incident at the headquarters of the Réseau des défenseurs des droits humains en Afrique centrale (REDHAC), an organization she is associated with, and pitted her against the State of Cameroon.

The court imposed a sentence of one year of imprisonment, which was suspended for a period of five years. In addition to the suspended sentence, Me Alice Nkom was ordered to pay a fine of 500,000 FCFA. The judgment also stipulated that she must cover court costs amounting to 62,100 FCFA. Notably, due to her age, she was exempted from "contrainte par corps," a legal provision that could have resulted in imprisonment for failure to pay the fine or costs.

The conviction of Me Alice Nkom for "bris de scellés" marks the conclusion of a protracted legal confrontation between the Cameroonian state and the human rights activist. The specific charge relates to the alleged removal or damage of official seals placed at the REDHAC headquarters in Douala-Bonanjo. This case has drawn significant attention, underscoring the legal challenges faced by human rights advocates in the country.

As a prominent figure in the field of human rights, Me Alice Nkom's legal battle over the breaking of seals at the REDHAC premises highlights the potential criminal consequences for actions perceived as interfering with state property or official processes. The judgment from the Tribunal de Première Instance de Douala-Bonanjo serves as a notable precedent in the legal landscape concerning civil society organizations and their interactions with state authorities in Cameroon.

In the wake of her conviction, Me Alice Nkom received a public reaffirmation of support from Issa Tchiroma Bakary, a notable opposition figure currently exiled in Gambia. This endorsement came just two days after the court's decision. Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who has designated Me Nkom as his spokesperson, reiterated his full backing for her, describing her as a leading voice and major figure in citizen action for human rights, particularly advocating for genuine democracy and public liberties.

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, an unsuccessful candidate in the presidential election scheduled for October 12, 2025, also commended Me Alice Nkom's unwavering commitment. He specifically praised her work alongside REDHAC and numerous other civil society organizations, acknowledging her dedication to noble and fundamental causes not only in Cameroon but also across Africa and globally. His public stance underscores the broader political and social dimensions surrounding the legal proceedings against the human rights lawyer.

This case highlights the legal risks and potential criminal consequences, even for prominent human rights advocates, when actions like breaking seals are taken against state property or official processes in Cameroon. Lawyers should note the state's willingness to prosecute such acts and the potential for suspended sentences in these contexts, which could impact advocacy strategies and client advice.

Source: Original reporting via Actu Cameroun