Financiers conspired to overthrow oil-flush African government [View All]

[Snazzy]

Published: Aug 23, 2004
Modified: Aug 23, 2004 4:32 PM

Financiers conspired to overthrow oil-flush African government, alleged ringleader says

By ELLEN KNICKMEYER, ASSOCIATED PRESS

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea (AP) - Financiers in Europe and Africa were behind a plot to overthrow the government of Africa's No. 3 oil producer, an accused ringleader testified Monday at the opening of Africa's biggest mercenary trial in decades.

Equatorial Guinea accuses 89 alleged mercenaries of signing on to a $5 million plot to oust President Teodoro Obiang, who has ruled this repressed, isolated nation since executing his uncle in 1979 to succeed him in power.

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Seventy suspects are on trial separately in Zimbabwe, where they were arrested March 6. A 90th defendant, a German, died in prison here after what Amnesty International said was suspected torture.

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Mann, the top planner, "told me that the Spanish government would recognize the Moto government, and that it had the blessing of some American higher-up politicians," du Toit testified, in handcuffs and leg chains.

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http://newsobserver.com/24hour/world/story/1594474p-9227125c.html

Earlier:

"Mercenaries" go on trial in Equatorial Guinea
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=770620