Families of imprisoned South African engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham express gratitude to Parliament for a motion demanding their release. The engineers have been detained in Equatorial Guinea since February 2023, reportedly in retaliation for asset seizures. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has condemned their imprisonment as unlawful. Support from the public has led to a petition with nearly 15,000 signatures advocating for their freedom.
The families of Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, two South African engineers, have expressed immense gratitude for the South African Parliament’s recent unanimous motion calling for the engineers’ immediate release from their unlawful detention in Equatorial Guinea. Arrested on February 9, 2023, the two men are reportedly being held in retaliation for the seizure of assets belonging to Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea. Democratic Alliance member Emma Powell introduced the motion, which condemns the wrongful imprisonment of Potgieter and Huxham, emphasizing their innocence and the judgment of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention that deemed their arrest as arbitrary and a violation of human rights. The families have garnered extensive support, with nearly 15,000 individuals signing a petition advocating for their release. Shaun Murphy, representing the Potgieter family, and Francois Nigrini, speaking for the Huxham family, highlighted the urgency of the situation and called upon the South African government to prioritize their case, condemning the practice of hostage diplomacy as fundamentally unjust.
The case of Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of international human rights and diplomatic relations. Their detention in Equatorial Guinea has been linked to broader geopolitical tensions, specifically relating to asset seizures involving the Vice President’s properties in South Africa. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s opinions add an authoritative dimension to claims of wrongful imprisonment, framing the situation as a violation of international law. The support from South African Parliament and the public underscores the demands for justice and accountability within the context of international detainee rights.
In summary, the South African Parliament’s unanimous motion represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to secure the release of Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham. Their unlawful imprisonment not only raises serious human rights concerns but also reflects broader issues related to diplomatic relations and the treatment of foreign nationals. The concerted efforts from both the families and the South African government underscore the urgency needed to resolve this situation and affirm the principles of justice and human rights on an international scale.
Original Source: www.engineeringnews.co.za
