**Updates IFEX alerts of 3 March, 23, 11 and 2 February and 29 January 2000** (WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC is concerned over the unlawful and continued detention of journalist Andre Domingos Mussamo, and fears for his health and safety. According to information received by WiPC, Mussamo is held in violation of his right to freedom of […]
**Updates IFEX alerts of 3 March, 23, 11 and 2 February and 29 January 2000**
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC is concerned over the unlawful and continued detention of journalist Andre Domingos Mussamo, and fears for his health and safety. According to information received by WiPC, Mussamo is held in violation of his right to freedom of expression.
Mussamo has been held for over ninety-eight days since his arrest on 2 December 1999. He has apparently been detained in connection with an article that allegedly violated state secrets. There is, however, uncertainty regarding the motive behind his prolonged detention, since the incriminating article was never published and the documents Mussamo had been accused of stealing were apparently never found in his possession. As the original detention period exceeded the maximum 45 days allowed by Angolan law, an arbitrary extension to 90 days was allegedly imposed by executive order of the provincial attorney general. Yet Mussamo still remains in detention without charge or trial despite the fact that this second “preventative detention” term is over. It is furthermore disturbing to note that Angola responded to the European Parliament’s recent resolution on the freedom of the press in the country by claiming that no journalist was currently imprisoned in the country.
PEN is concerned for Mussamo’s health and safety. He sustained a broken leg in a car accident prior to his detention and has been reportedly been denied adequate medical treatment. In addition, he is reported to have been threatened by prison officials and his visitation rights have been cut back.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
Appeals To
Hon Jose Eduardo dos Santos
President of Angola
Fax: +244 2 321 034
Copies of your appeals should also be sent to the Angolan embassy in your country and to the Angola desk of your own foreign office. In Canada, send appeals to:
Ambassador
Embassy of the Republic of Angola
Fax: +613 234 1179
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
