The Hindu : International / Globescan : Equatorial Guinea plotters released

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 16, 2005

International

International - Globescan

Equatorial Guinea plotters released

DURBAN: A group of 62 South African mercenaries has been released from a Zimbabwean prison after being in custody for over a year for a coup plot in Equatorial Guinea, after days of delay due to immigration glitches. The South Africans, consisting both blacks and whites, had been arrested in Zimbabwe more than a year ago after their aircraft landed in Harare, allegedly to pick up arms and ammunition. They were charged and convicted of breaching Zimbabwe's aviation, immigration, firearms and security laws. The South Africans had allegedly been on their way to Equatorial Guinea where they were to have assisted in a coup plot against the Central African Government. One of their financiers was Mark Thatcher, son of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. He was living in Cape Town at the time of the alleged coup plot and the Government of Equatorial Guinea had requested his extradition. But he entered into a deal with South African officials and paid about rand 3 million for his freedom. — PTI

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

Students defy ban order in Nepal

Donors to discuss post-tsunami recovery

Rice makes surprise visit to Iraq amid violence

Funds trial affects Hillary's hopes

Drop in global smoking, says study

Equatorial Guinea plotters released

McCartney family faces threat

Bangalore our priority: France

Woman awarded $4 million

Training centre for construction workers opened in Jakarta