Congo's government spokesman says an American diplomat has been released after being detained in a raid in which journalists and democracy activists were arrested.
Sunday's detentions followed a news conference in Kinshasa to support Congo's Filimbi movement that aims to get more youths to participate in politics. They come at a time of rising tension in Congo, where some fear President Joseph Kabila is attempting to prolong his rule beyond the end of his term next year.
Spokesman Lambert Mende today said that the US diplomat was released overnight. He did not disclose the diplomat's name or position.
Mende said activists from Burkina Faso, Senegal and an unspecified number of Congolese are still being held. He said they were arrested on suspicion of being a threat to national security.
