Thatcher to be questioned in court over 'coup plot'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Mark Thatcher faces questioning in open court over his role in an alleged coup plot after South Africa approved a request by Equatorial Guinea to interview him.
Yesterday's decision followed a meeting between the Justice Minister, Brigitte Mabandla, and a visiting team of investigators from the oil-rich west African state, headed by the country's top prosecutor. A spokesman said questions would be submitted to a magistrate in Cape Town who would then subpoena Sir Mark.
Under the deal, the Equatorial Guineans would be permitted to listen to his answers, probably in open court. Prosecutors said they expected it to take place "very soon".
Sir Mark, 51, is charged with contravening South Africa's Foreign Military Assistance Act designed to stop the country being used as a base for plotting the overthrow of governments. He has been ordered to remain in the Cape Town area pending a court appearance in November.
South Africa has insisted it will not allow Sir Mark to be extradited to Equatorial Guinea unless it is guaranteed that he will not face the death penalty.
Lawyers in Guernsey acting for Equatorial Guinea's President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, are seeking to discover the identities of those who allegedly bankrolled the coup attempt, and will seek details of payments made into the account of Simon Mann, who is said to have masterminded the plot. Among those said to have paid in to it is a certain J H Archer - prompting speculation it is Lord Archer, a claim he denies.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments