Security forces kill at least 24

KINSHASA (AP):

Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Congolese security forces have killed at least 24 people and detained dozens in attacks to quell dissent over the much-criticised re-election of President Joseph Kabila.

Kabila was inaugurated this week following a November 28 election that international and local observers say lacked credibility. Opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi plans his own inauguration today.

New York-based HRW indicated Wednesday that many more may have been killed since security forces appear to be quickly removing bodies to cover up the scale of the killings.

It said soldiers and police have fired on groups of people in the street who may have been protesting or were just bystanders. Twenty victims were killed in opposition strongholds in Kinshasa.