Press Release – 19/02/2007
Global Witness, o grupo Britânico que trabalha pelos direitos humanos e contra a corrupção exige a libertação imediata e incondicional da sua funcionária Dr. Sarah Wykes, uma activista altamente respeitada no circuito internacional.
A Dr. Wykes foi detida por polícia Angolana armada na manhã de Domingo, 18 de Fevereiro, em Cabinda enquanto visitava aquele enclave rico em petróleo para encontros com representantes locais da sociedade civil. Ela foi detida e levada do seu hotel para a esquadra e não lhe foram dados alimentos ou água durante pelo menos cinco horas até que foi acusada e conduzida para a cadeia local ontem à noite.
A Global Witness entende que Sarah Wykes foi acusada de espionagem e hoje de manhã foi levada a tribunal em Cabinda. A Global Witness rejeita qualquer alegação de espionagem pela Dr. Sarah Wykes e nenhuma prova que suporte tal acusação foi ainda apresentada. As autoridades Angolanas estão a recusar à Dr. Wykes acesso aos seus advogados de escolha e insistindo em designar um advogado do Governo.
A Dr. Wykes tem sido uma activista incansável pela transparência no sector petrolífero e a sua detenção e subsequente encarceramento constituem uma afronta aos seus direitos humanos. Ela deverá ser imediatamente e incondicionalmente libertada.
Para mais informações, por favor contacte: +44 (0)20 7561 6361, +44 (0)20 7561 6395 or +44 (0)7843 058 756.
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