Capital crimes are: aggravated murder, aggravated robbery,...

Capital crimes are: aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, treason, political and military offenses and genocide. In August 1997, Kabila set up tribunals to deal with escalating insecurity and indiscipline within the army. The tribunals operate on the basis that the country is still at war. Although the COM (Cour d'ordre militaire) was set up to try soldiers accused of military offences, it has also tried civilians accused of political and economic offences, many of whom are political prisoners and prisoners of conscience. It has sentenced hundreds of people to death, of which up to 250 have been executed. The court's proceedings have consistently contravened both international standards for fair trial and United Nations standards protecting the rights of those facing the death penalty. Its statute prohibits appeal to a higher jurisdiction, leaving defendants with no opportunity to challenge convictions and sentences, except to appeal for presidential clemency. At least 25 people, including civilians, were condemned to death during 2000 by the COM.