Vital Kamerhe, leader of the Union for the Congolese Nation UNC party, arrives at N'djili International Airport in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo on November 27, 2018 with Felix Tshisekedi, leader of Congolese main opposition the Union for Democracy and Social Progress UDPS party and presidential candidate. REUTERS Kenny Katombe File Photo
KINSHASA, December 6, Reuters - Vital Kamerhe, former chief of staff to Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, has been granted provisional release from prison where he was serving a 13-year sentence for embezzling $48 million in public funds, his lawyer said on Monday.
Kamerhe was sentenced last year after becoming the most senior politician to face trial for corruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where high-level corruption is endemic.
A high court has granted him provisional release, lawyer Kabengela Ilunga told Reuters.
He didn't say why Kamerhe was being released or what terms.
There was no immediate comment from the authorities, but a presidential source confirmed the court's decision.
Kamerhe denied stealing money earmarked for social housing under Tshisekedi's flagship 100 day building programme at the time of his trial.
The veteran power broker backed President Felix Tshisekedi in his successful 2018 election campaign in return for the support of Tshisekedi the next time around in 2023.