In a statement, the rights group Human Rights Watch said that the president's comments raised serious concerns about the impartiality of a police investigation into the violently dispersed protest.
Two days after the May 20 protest, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi praised a police chief whose officers had beaten protesters, calling him a "true professional."
"Bravo for the work you have done, zero deaths ... the thugs have been controlled, it's very good," the president said, according to HRW.
The protesters had rallied in Kinshasa against the high cost of living and an electoral process they deemed unfair.
Police officers then violently dispersed the rally, beating several protesters including at least one minor.
The United Nations, European Union, United States and the Roman Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo all expressed concerns about the heavy-handed police response.
In a statement, the rights group said that the president's comments raised serious concerns about the impartiality of a police investigation into the violently dispersed protest.
Tshisekedi's comments also raised concerns "that the government is encouraging excessive use of force by the police in future demonstrations," HRW said.
Carine Kaneza Nantulya, deputy Africa director at HRW, was quoted in the statement as saying that the recent police crackdown "is an attempt to silence dissent and deter future demonstrations."
The DRC is due to hold a presidential election on December 20. President Felix Tshisekedi, who came to office in 2019, is standing for re-election.
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