Parliament Urges Release of South African Businessmen in Equatorial Guinea

The South African Parliament has called for the immediate release of Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter, two businessmen imprisoned in Equatorial Guinea on dubious charges. This motion follows support from the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, emphasizing the arbitrary nature of their imprisonment. Families of the detainees have expressed appreciation for the parliamentary motion, which condemns the arrests and demands action from the South African government.

The Parliament of South Africa has unanimously advocated for the release of two South African businessmen, Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter, who are currently detained in Equatorial Guinea. This motion comes on the heels of an endorsement from the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which asserted that the pair’s arrests and ongoing imprisonment are unjust and illegal. They have faced incarceration since February of the previous year as a result of disputes involving South African assets connected to Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the vice-president of Equatorial Guinea. The parliamentary motion, tabled by Emma Powell of the Democratic Alliance (DA), explicitly condemns the arrests and urges the South African government to take the necessary measures to facilitate their release. Huxham and Potgieter, both involved in the offshore oil and gas industry, were reportedly wrongfully accused of drug smuggling after a superyacht associated with the vice president was detained in Cape Town, which led to their 12-year sentences. Families of the imprisoned businessmen have expressed gratitude towards Parliament’s resolution. Shaun Murphy, spokesperson for the Potgieter family, has noted that Parliament’s action aligns with the UN’s conclusion regarding the arbitrary nature of their detention. Likewise, Francois Nigrini, speaking for the Huxham family, highlighted the extensive international public support for their case, urging the South African government to do all that is within its power to expedite their release and denounce the unfair practices they have been subjected to.

The situation regarding the imprisonment of Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter revolves around allegations of drug smuggling that are believed to be tied to larger geopolitical circumstances involving assets of Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the vice-president of Equatorial Guinea. Their arrest followed the seizure of properties owned by Obiang in South Africa, contributing to ongoing tensions and a complex legal dispute. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s support has reinforced claims that their arrest lacks legitimate grounds, serving to highlight the urgency of their release.

In conclusion, the unanimous support from the South African Parliament for the release of Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter underscores the significance of international human rights laws and the commitment of South Africa to uphold these principles. With growing public, governmental, and international pressure, there exists a renewed hope for the swift liberation of the imprisoned businessmen, who are seen as victims of a broader diplomatic conflict.

Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za