DR Congo gynaecologist Mukwege evacuated to Burundi

Brussels, Belgium (PANA) – A DR Congo  gynaecologist and human rights activist, Dr Denis Mukwege, who has been treating women rape victims in areas where rebels, including the M23, are operating, has been evacuated to Burundi after he survived an attack on his house last Thursday night.

"All arrangements have been made for the gynaecologist, his wife and their two children to be flown to Belgium, a communique of the Belgian government made available to PANA in Brussels on Monday said.

According to reports, Dr Mukwege, Director of Panzi hospital in Bukavu, was attacked by unidentified gunmen after he returned from Brussels where he addressed a conference.

The gunmen, after holding his two daughters and their friend at gunpoint for half an hour, forced Dr Mukwege out of his vehicle as he arrived at the residence.

His security guard tried to alert neighbours about the situation, but was fatally shot at close range by the armed men.

The gunmen then fired more shots at Dr Mukwege, who narrowly escaped death by throwing himself to the ground.

The five men fled the scene in Dr Mukwege's vehicle.

He was rescued by the UN peacekeeping force MONUSCO and taken to Burundi for security reasons.

Last year, he won the International Roi Baudouin Prize for development and was awarded 170,000 euros. The prize was presented to him in Brussels by the Belgian King Albert II.
-0- PANA AK/AAS/IBA/MSA/MA 29Oct2012