humanitarian grounds
5 June 2006
Malabo - The President of Equatorial Guinea, Obiang Nguema today, Monday, 5
June 2006 granted pardon to Marius Boonzaaier on humanitarian grounds due to
illness. Boonzaaier was arrested in Equatorial Guinea in 2005 together with a
group of seven other South Africans and charged with an alleged involvement in
a coup plot against the government of Equatorial Guinea.
Boonzaaier has been ill for quite sometime and required surgery. It is in
this context that Boonzaaier was pardoned early today. Boonzaaier is the third
South African among the group of seven to be pardoned. Arrangements for his
return to South Africa are currently being finalised.
The South African government accordingly extends its gratitude to President
Nguema and the government of Equatorial Guinea for its humanitarian
gesture.
Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
5 June 2006
Source: SAPA
