Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, two South African engineers, have been detained in Equatorial Guinea for over 500 days
Image Source: www.engineeringnews.co.za
Published By Everything ZA News
The families of Frik Potgieter (54) and Peter Huxham (55), two South Africans who have been “unlawfully” jailed in Equatorial Guinea since 9 February 2023, have delivered a formal request to the president of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Chief Fortune Charumbira, asking the institution to intervene to secure the men’s urgent release. (DailyMaverick)
Here’s a summary of the situation:
- Arrest: February 9, 2023
- Current Detention: 501 days (as of June 24, 2024)
- Charges: Drug trafficking (disputed by families)
- Sentence: 12 years imprisonment and $5 million fine each
Their families are campaigning for their release through various means including:
- Petition: A petition garnered over 1300 signatures urging their freedom [online petition for release of SA engineers]
- Pan-African Parliament: A formal request was submitted to the Pan-African Parliament for intervention
The case appears to be caught in a diplomatic dispute between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.
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