The families of two South African engineers, Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter, have welcomed the South African Parliament’s unanimous motion calling for their immediate release from an Equatorial Guinea prison, where they have been held since February 2023. The motion condemns their unlawful detention and aligns with a UN opinion declaring their imprisonment as arbitrary and a violation of human rights. The families express gratitude for the support they have received, seeking swift action from the South African government to secure their release.
The families of Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter, two South African engineers imprisoned in Equatorial Guinea since February 9, 2023, have expressed their profound gratitude towards the South African Parliament following its unanimous motion on October 22, advocating for the men’s immediate release. The engineers were detained, which their families suspect is in retaliation for the seizure of superyachts and properties belonging to Teodore Nguema Obiang Mangue, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea and the son of the President. The motion, tabled by Emma Powell of the Democratic Alliance, condemned the unlawful imprisonment of Potgieter and Huxham and highlighted the formal opinion issued by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. The opinion, released on July 1, determined that their arrests and continued confinement were arbitrary, illegal, and a gross infringement of human rights, recommending their immediate release. The Parliament underscored South Africa’s commitment to international law and human rights, urging local authorities to take steps towards liberating the engineers. Shaun Murphy, representing the Potgieter family, remarked on the Parliament’s endorsement of the UN’s findings, emphasizing the violation of fundamental rights pertaining to liberty and security. Furthermore, he noted the immense support from the public and the international community, with approximately 15,000 individuals signing a petition for the engineers’ release. Similarly, Francois Nigrini, on behalf of the Huxham family, condemned the situation as an act of hostage diplomacy, calling for the South African government to prioritize the engineers’ case and to take necessary actions to ensure their release.
This case centers around the unjust detention of two South African engineers in Equatorial Guinea, which is alleged to be a form of retaliation stemming from a legal dispute involving the government’s assets. The South African Parliament’s motion reflects a growing concern over human rights violations and the arbitrary detention of individuals within the international legal framework. It highlights the importance of governmental accountability in the face of such diplomatic conflicts, while also showcasing community and international solidarity with the imprisoned South Africans.
In conclusion, the recent motion by the South African Parliament signifies a crucial step towards advocating for the release of Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter, underscoring the government’s commitment to upholding human rights and legality. The overwhelming public support further emphasizes the urgent need for action against arbitrary detentions and the unjust treatment of individuals in international contexts. The families remain hopeful that this concerted effort will expedite the release of their loved ones.
Original Source: www.engineeringnews.co.za
