7 January 2008
Luanda — The Republic general attorney (PGR), João Maria de Sousa, said Monday in Luanda that the detention of journalist Fernando Lelo was by no means arbitrary, as there are "strong signs of crime against the State security".
Speaking during an interview with the State-run "Rádio Nacional de Angola" broadcasting station, João Maria de Sousa said Fernando Lelo was not detained as a journalist, but at a time he was holding a different post with a private company in Cabinda province.
The official said as well that Fernando Lelo's crimes include incitement of Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) militaries to commit crimes of rebellion and others.
"There is no irregularities in his detention", said João Maria de Sousa, adding that his trial will take place after all procedures are complete.
He stated as well the whole file will be channelled to Cabinda, northern province, where the faults were committed.
"Very soon, announcement of the trial will be made, involving not only Fernando Lelo, but also a certain number of militaries", said the attorney.
Asked to comment on the recent detention, in Namibe, of Radio Ecclesia journalist, Armando Chicoca, the general attorney said his department is informed that his arrest was ordered by police authorities, not on orders by the provincial governor, as alleged.
Armando Chicoca was sentenced on December 24 to 30 days in prison for incitement to violence and police disobedience.
On the other hand, the official said the case of the Nigerian national, Henry Ocap, arrested in Angola for alleged involvement in arms trafficking, is going through the appropriate procedures.
João Maria de Sousa stated as well this case should be handled with all precautions as the problem of terrorism is worrying and its combat requires the involvement of every states of the world. He pledged to add more details of the Nigerian case on later occasions.
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