[ad_1]
Belgian Joseph Figueira Martin (41), who has been held in the Central African Republic for more than 50 days, has gone on a hunger strike to protest his captivity, the Associated Press reported.
The Belgian researcher of Portuguese descent was held in the Central African Republic by Russian Wagner mercenaries for nearly two months on suspicion of espionage. According to the prosecutor’s report, he was accused of endangering national security by contacting armed groups to plan a coup. Figueira Martín has not yet been formally charged.
Until a week ago, the man was being held in “relatively good conditions”. But he was recently transferred to a political prison called Camp le Roux. The conditions there are said to be “very difficult”. As a result, the Belgian is said to have decided to go on a hunger strike. “He started the hunger strike three days ago because he is innocent and wants to prove his innocence,” said Victor Manuel Alves da Rocha, the honorary consul of Portugal in Bangui. “He also wanted to protest against the poor conditions of his detention.” Figueira Martín is said to be refusing any meals and is currently “in poor health”.
His brother, George Martin, confirmed to our editor that his brother has gone on a hunger strike. I have heard very little. I have not had the opportunity to contact him directly. I only know that he has decided to refuse food in protest of what has happened to him. The lawyer met with him and tried to convince him to eat, but my brother refused and decided to go on a hunger strike. ”
“He went through a very difficult time mentally after being held captive for 50 days without proper food. The whole family was very worried,” said George Martin.
[ad_2]
Source link
