| |
  Simon Mann freed from prison |
| |
|  Related Tweets
 Related Headlines
 Full news story |
British mercenary Simon Mann released after pardon over involvement in 2004 coup attempt in Equatorial GuineaThe British mercenary Simon Mann has been freed from jail in Equatorial Guinea, government officials in the west African state told the Guardian.The Old Etonion mercenary, who was serving a 34-year sentence for his involvement in a 2004 coup attempt was met outside prison by his brother and sister.A government spokesman, Federico Abaga, told the Guardian a committee representing several ministries had gone to the prison this morning to arrange his release."He is being let out of prison today," Abaga said.
"Once he has left prison he will have 24 hours to leave the country.
I don't know where he will go.
He is British, so I suppose he will go there."I can confirm that he has been pardoned for humanitarian reasons … and because he has shown genuine signs of repentance.
He is also being pardoned so that he can receive the regular medical treatment that he needs."Mann's family spoke today of their delight after he was granted a full pardon for his part in the failed coup plot."The family is absolutely delighted that Simon has been pardoned and is to be released shortly," they said in a statement.
"Everyone is profoundly grateful to the president and the government of Equatorial Guinea.
The whole family is overjoyed at the prospect of finally welcoming Simon home after five-and-a-half long years away."Mann will spend his first night in freedom at the five-star Hotel El Paraiso, outside the capital, Malabo.
A receptionist at the luxury hotel confirmed that his brother Edward and sister Sarah had arrived this morning."They have gone into the city.
There is a third reservation but they have not arrived yet," she said early this afternoon.She said that the family were due to check out of the hotel tomorrow.Jose Olo Obono, the chief prosecutor in Mann's trial, said: "Mr Mann learned he was going to be released last Saturday but the news wasn't made official until Monday, when he received his presidential pardon.
I personally took him the legal papers he had to sign ahead of his release.
He went red with emotion and his eyes filled with tears."A private plane arrived in Malabo from Britain this morning.
It was carrying his wife, Amanda, and his sister Sarah, as far as I know.
They are at a hotel in the capital, where they will meet him after his release from prison and stay the night so he can rest.
They are due to fly out of the country again together early tomorrow.Olo Obono said Mann had been "a model prisoner".
"He has behaved impeccably and he helped us get to the bottom of this coup.
Healthwise, Simon is OK.
He was suffering from a hernia but he has been operated on twice now in Equatorial Guinea."His release has been ordered on humanitarian grounds but it is not because Simon is ill.
It's because the president felt it is what he should do, for humanitarian reasons."Olo Obono said Equatorial Guinea still wanted to talk to the millionaire Eli Calil and Sir Mark Thatcher - the son of Lady Thatcher - about the plot.
Both men deny involvement.Abaga confirmed that the release coincided with the arrival of the South African president, Jacob Zuma, .At least one South African is among four other men who have received pardons.
|
|
|
| Recent related news |
| |
guardian.co.uk
2 weeks ago - UK | Simon Mann, freed dog of war, is demanding justice
After more than five years in jail, the British mercenary is seeking vengeance on others he says were... »related headlines & tweets» |
guardian.co.uk
2 weeks ago - UK | Met police sees papers alleged to link Mark Thatcher to coup plot
• Police yet to interview pair named by freed mercenary• Officers look into London connection to... »related headlines & tweets» |
guardian.co.uk
2 weeks ago - UK | Freed mercenary Simon Mann says he will testify against Mark Thatcher
• Former PM's son 'should face justice', says Mann• Scotland Yard confirms it will interview... »related headlines & tweets» |
CJAD
2 weeks ago - World | Freed Equatorial Guinea coup-plotter says others should face justice in case, returns home
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - British coup-plotter Simon Mann returned home from prison Wednesday... »related headlines & tweets» |
The Sun
2 weeks ago - UK | Coup plot Brit arrives home
FREED mercenary Simon Mann lands in UK after his release from an African prison »related headlines & tweets» |
| |
teletext
2 weeks ago - UK | Police set to quiz freed mercenary
Scotland Yard counter terrorism detectives are preparing to question freed mercenary Simon... »related headlines & tweets» |
France 24
2 weeks ago - Sports | Police to quiz mercenary over EGuinea plot: reports
British police are expected to question mercenary Simon Mann over a foiled coup plot in oil-rich... »related headlines & tweets» |
guardian.co.uk
2 weeks ago - UK | Speeches and tears as mercenary Simon Mann is released from prison
Briton sentenced to 34 years for his part in failed attempt to overthrow government of Equatorial... »related headlines & tweets» |
guardian.co.uk
2 weeks ago - World | Simon Mann pardon: A South African president flies in, a famous inmate is freed. Coincidence?
Timing of Simon Mann's pardon and those of four South African mercenaries looks like political... »related headlines & tweets» |
Sydney Morning Herald
2 weeks ago - World | Coup plotter Simon Mann released
A British coup-plotter and four South African mercenaries pardoned for attempting the overthrow of... »related headlines & tweets» |
| |
guardian.co.uk
3 weeks ago - World | The curious case of Simon Mann | Adam Roberts
Will the mysteries surrounding the 'wonga coup' be solved now the chief plotter is on his way home... »related headlines & tweets» |
|
Tweet the News!
Facebook
E-mail
Twitter
Mixx
StumbleUpon
FriendFeed
Top News RSS Feed | News for my Website | Archive | Advertise | Help | Contact us | Bookmark
