SA, EG agree on 'fair trial'
2004-07-27 00:31
Pretoria - The South African delegation visiting Equatorial Guinea held talks with officials in that country on Monday in an attempt to ensure a free and fair trial for eight alleged mercenaries, foreign affairs said.
Spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said the South Africans spoke to Equatorial Guinea's minister of foreign affairs, national security, prosecuting authorities and law enforcement agencies.
The delegation left on Sunday for Equatorial Guinea in an attempt to ensure a "proper and fair trial" for the South African men held in Malambo on allegations of a coup plot.
"There was a broad general consensus among others on the need for the trial to be transparent, access by lawyers and family members to the detainees and fairness," Mamoepa said.
He added that the two government delegations were expected to meet several times this week.
"This ongoing consultations may accordingly impact on the anticipated trial date."
- SAPA