RIA Novosti, Russia
Nov 29 2004
ARMENIAN PILOTS SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT IN EQUATORIAL GUINEA
YEREVAN, November 29 (RIA Novosti) – The Court of Malabo, the capital
of Equatorial Guinea, has passed its verdict on the case of a coup
attempt that involved six Armenian pilots as the accused.
The court sentenced the crew commander to 24 years in jail, and the
other pilots to 14 years, Gamlet Gasparyan, press secretary of the
Armenian foreign ministry, told RIA Novosti.
A South African citizen accused of organising the coup attempt was
sentenced to 63 years while three other South Africans to 50-60
years.
Local residents facing the same charges have been sentenced to one
year.
The court held to confiscate the fishing vessel owned by the Armenian
Dvin concern.
Lawyers of the Armenian pilots intend to appeal the verdict in the
Supreme Court of Equatorial Guinea, and international courts, if need
be.
“We are convinced that the Armenian pilots have nothing to do with
any actions aimed against Equatorial Guinea and its authorities, and
the court failed to provide any substantial evidence to prove that
they are guilty. The Armenian government will do its best to make
sure that the competent Equatorial Guinean bodies make a fair
decision to the point of releasing them,” the Armenian Foreign
Ministry reported.
The official Armenian delegation to Malabo that visited Equatorial
Guinea more than once before and spared no effort will further stay
in the country to discuss the release of the Armenian pilots to
Armenia with the local authorities, the Foreign Ministry said.
Six Armenian pilots worked in Equatorial Guinea from January 2004
onboard the AN-12 aircraft registered in Armenia in accordance with
an agreement between the German KAL company and the Armenian company,
Dvin Concern. Late on March 7, the Armenian pilots and a
representative of the German firm were arrested in Malabo.
The authorities of Equatorial Guinea are accusing them of involvement
in the coup attempt as mercenaries. They are also accused of
espionage – collecting information of political, economic and
military interest.
The Armenian pilots strongly deny the charges.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress