Mann fingers millionaire Calil

2008-06-19 19:02

Malabo - As his trial entered its third day, British ex-military officer Simon Mann told a court on Thursday that he was only a junior member of the team that planned to overthrow Equatorial Guinea's government in 2004.

London-based businessman Eli Calil "was very much the boss. So nothing could happen without Calil telling me yes or no," said Mann. Calil has denied involvement in such a plot.

Mann said Calil did not invite him to a key meeting in Beirut to draw up a document that would serve as Equatorial Guinea's new constitution because Mann was too "junior".

He added that if the coup had been successful he would only have been named security manager, whereas Calil stood to become the right hand of the new president.

The morning session continued with testimony from witness Lebanese businessman Mohamed Salaam, who said he was also part of the plot. It was not immediately clear if Salaam has been charged.

Electric power failed part way through Salaam's testimony and the courtroom was plunged into darkness. But the trial continued into the muggy late morning with curtains pulled back to let in sunlight.

Detainees allegedly tortured

Court reconvened in the afternoon for further testimony and evidence. Officials have said they expect a verdict on Thursday, but a number of witnesses have yet to be called.

Equatorial Guinea has been working to prosecute those involved in the alleged coup plot since soon after the 2004 arrest of Mann and about 70 others in Zimbabwe, where they are said to have flown to collect weapons bought from Zimbabwe's state arms manufacturer.

The first trial, in August 2004, resulted in a 34 year prison sentence for SA arms dealer Nick Du Toit.

Rights groups have said past trials were flawed and partial, with detainees allegedly tortured in jail and the prosecution offering bribes and inducements for defendants willing to incriminate others.

Though government-appointed defence attorney Jose Pablo Nvo, who took on the job of defending Mann just two weeks ago, said he believed the trial would be fair.

Mann was extradited to Spanish-speaking Equatorial Guinea in January from Zimbabwe, where he had already served about four years in prison. The extradition agreement prohibits the death penalty, but Mann could face 30 years in prison if convicted.

- SAPA