South African Parliament Calls for Release of Imprisoned Engineers in Equatorial Guinea

The South African Parliament has unanimously demanded the release of Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, engineers imprisoned in Equatorial Guinea for over 500 days. Their arrest is viewed as retaliatory, linked to property seizures related to the vice-president of Equatorial Guinea. The UN Working Group has deemed their detention arbitrary and illegal, prompting calls for immediate action from the South African government, which has yet to yield results despite diplomatic efforts.

The South African Parliament has collectively condemned the unlawful imprisonment of two South African engineers, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, who have been detained in Equatorial Guinea for over 500 days. On Tuesday, a resolution proposed by DA Member of Parliament Emma Powell was unanimously adopted, urging the South African government to take immediate actions for their release. The engineers were arrested on February 9, 2023, shortly after South African courts seized luxury assets belonging to Equatorial Guinea’s Vice-President, Teodore Nguema Obiang Mangue, which led to speculations that their detention may be a retaliatory measure. The resolution strongly denounces the ongoing imprisonment, citing the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which had previously deemed their detention arbitrary and a serious violation of human rights. It reasserts South Africa’s commitment to international law and the importance of protecting human rights, calling on the government to assist the release of the two individuals. Family representatives have expressed gratitude for the parliamentary support and highlighted significant public backing, with nearly 15,000 signatories advocating for justice through a petition. Despite diplomatic efforts from South African officials seeking the men’s release, no resolution has yet been achieved, prompting calls for increased government action to combat what is perceived as a form of hostage diplomacy.

Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham were apprehended in Equatorial Guinea, reportedly in connection with legal actions taken by South African courts against assets owned by the country’s vice-president. This case has emerged during heightened international scrutiny of arbitrary detentions, especially involving foreign nationals. The South African Parliament’s unanimous resolution reflects a significant push for human rights and the protection of South African citizens abroad, as it addresses allegations of retaliatory diplomacy from Equatorial Guinea in response to legal actions taken in South Africa. The case has also attracted international attention, indicating a broader concern regarding the treatment of citizens detained for political reasons.

In summary, the South African Parliament’s united stance against the detention of engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham underscores a commitment to human rights and the need for accountability within the international framework. The resolution adopted signifies both national and international support for the engineers’ immediate release, as their families call for justice amid ongoing diplomatic challenges.

Original Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za