The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended the country's top police officer in connection with the death of prominent human rights activist Floribert Chebeya. Several police officers have been arrested, the interior ministry says.

Body tied in car
Mr Chebeya's body was found in his car parked on a road east of the capital Kinshasa. He was tied to the rear seat. His chauffeur is missing. Mr Chebeya headed the country's network of human rights organisations. He also headed the local campaign group Voice of the Voiceless. He had been intimidated and threatened many times.

Independent investigation
In a letter sent to the government, over 50 rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for an independent inquiry into the activist's death.

Dutch foreign minister
Dutch caretaker Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen has expressed shock at the news. He said the Netherlands would take the initiative, within the European Union, to clarify the circumstances surrounding Mr Chebeya's death. Mr Verhagen described the murder as “a great blow for all those who are concerned by human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo.