The South African Parliament has called for the release of Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter, two businessmen imprisoned in Equatorial Guinea since February last year. The motion comes after the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention supported their claim of illegal detention, arguing that their arrests are violations of human rights tied to a larger legal conflict involving the Equatorial Guinea Vice-President’s assets. Family spokespersons express gratitude for the parliamentary backing and highlight extensive public support for the men’s release.
The South African Parliament has unanimously called for the release of two South African businessmen who have been arbitrarily imprisoned in Equatorial Guinea. This action follows a recommendation from the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention that expressed support for the detainees, Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter, both of whom have been incarcerated since February of the previous year. They are believed to be innocent victims caught in a broader legal dispute involving South African assets owned by Equatorial Guinea’s Vice-President, Teodoro “Teddy” Nguema Obiang Mangue. The parliamentary motion, which condemns the arrests, urges South African authorities to work diligently towards securing their release. Family representatives for the imprisoned men welcomed this motion, citing it as an endorsement of the UN’s assertion that their detention is illegal and a violation of their human rights. Huxham and Potgieter were sentenced to 12 years on drug smuggling charges following their arrest under circumstances that appear disconnected from their actions, coinciding with the seizure of a superyacht linked to the vice-president in South Africa. The case has attracted a notable level of public support, with nearly 15,000 individuals joining a petition advocating for their release.
This situation arises from a complex series of legal issues involving South African assets linked to high-ranking officials in Equatorial Guinea. The businessmen involved, Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter, were arrested under controversial circumstances that have led to significant international scrutiny. Reports suggest that their arrests are tied to a channel of property and asset disputes involving the Vice-President of Equatorial Guinea, who has faced legal challenges abroad. The involvement of the United Nations indicates broader implications concerning human rights violations and the integrity of the legal proceedings faced by foreign nationals in Equatorial Guinea.
In conclusion, the unanimous motion from South African Parliament signifies a strong stance against the arbitrary detention of Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter in Equatorial Guinea. The support from the UN and public advocacy demonstrates a collective demand for justice and human rights adherence that transcends political boundaries. The families’ representatives have voiced their gratitude for the parliamentary support, emphasizing the need for urgent action to resolve this troubling situation.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
