“The National Police on the Island of Sal is openly defying a judicial order, despite the deteriorating condition of Mr Saab” – Dr Jose Manuel Pinto Monteiro

Alex Saab has now been held captive by Cape Verde authorities, for 474 days. During this time, he has been physically and psychologically tortured, denied most his most basic human rights including access to oncology care. This scenario resembling the well documented detention centres by US immigration.

On 31 August, the Barlavento Court of Appeal ordered that Alex Saab be transferred from the Island of Sal to Praia for urgent medical access, but the 30 day delay has demonstrated a complete disregard for his well-being. What that shows us, is that Cape Verde has a complete disregard for the respect, the dignity of every person and a bias justice for everyone.

This medical neglect is unjustified. Despite the advisory of Human Rights Committee, for the ill treatment of Mr Saab, a diplomat of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the lack of response from Cape Verde authorities translates into intentional malicious delay, purposely stalling decision to impose sadistic manipulation of the situation and suffering.

Professor Karol Sikora, world-renowned oncologist from Imperial college UK and former head of the cancer section at the World Health Organisation, says, “It’s a technical detention that is politically motivated, this man has done nothing wrong, he needs to be released and hospitalized for immediate care.”

VIDEO of Prof Sikora, oncologist in London UK at Imperial College giving medical opinion of the situation in Cape Verde   https://vimeo.com/618396550

We call upon the Cape Verdean authority to follow justice and advice from Barlavento Court to transfer Alex Saab immediately to Praia for medical care.