The South African Parliament has unanimously passed a motion calling for the immediate release of two South African engineers, Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter, who have been detained in Equatorial Guinea since February 2023. This decision follows their families’ appeals for action amid claims of unlawful imprisonment linked to political tensions. With rising international support, the families urge the government to prioritize their release.
The families of Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter, two South African engineers unjustly imprisoned in Equatorial Guinea since February 9, 2023, expressed profound gratitude towards the South African Parliament following its unanimous motion on October 22, advocating for their immediate release. This motion condemns their unlawful detention, highlighting its arbitrary nature as acknowledged by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in a July 1 report that categorized their arrest as a severe violation of human rights. Emma Powell, a member of the Democratic Alliance, was instrumental in bringing this motion to the Parliament’s attention. The families assert that Huxham and Potgieter’s capture was retaliatory, a direct consequence of the South African judiciary’s actions against properties owned by Teodor Nguema Obiang Mangue, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea. Support for the engineers has gained momentum, reflected in nearly 15,000 signatures on a petition advocating for their release. The families urged South African authorities to prioritize their case, emphasizing that Frik and Peter are victims of what they characterize as “hostage diplomacy.” It is a situation they demand be recognized and addressed with urgency and determination.
The arrest of Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter underscores ongoing diplomatic tensions between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea, particularly following legal actions taken by South African courts against assets belonging to the Equatorial Guinea Vice President. The arbitrary detention has drawn international attention, including condemnation from human rights organizations and the United Nations, which asserts that the detention violates fundamental human rights guarantees. The situation highlights the complexities surrounding international law and diplomatic relations, particularly in cases perceived as politically motivated retaliation.
The South African Parliament’s unanimous support for the release of Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter represents a critical step in addressing their wrongful imprisonment in Equatorial Guinea. Families and advocates call for urgent action from the government, emphasizing the necessity for international law adherence and the protection of human rights. The situation remains a pertinent illustration of the broader implications of hostage diplomacy and the responsibility of governments to protect their citizens abroad.
Original Source: www.engineeringnews.co.za
