Ensemble Pour le Gabon raises concerns over Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze's 83-day detention without substantive hearing
via Gabon Review2 min read
Ensemble Pour le Gabon EPG has issued a statement highlighting the ongoing detention of its president, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, who has been held for 83 days without a substantive hearing. The party expresses concern that his detention may extend through the judicial holiday period and views it as the "neutralization of a political opponent." EPG notes that despite appeals from the defense, the legal process has not advanced, and Bilie-By-Nze has not been questioned on the merits of the accusations against him. The party states that no real investigation appears to have been conducted to establish the truth, suggesting the outcome of the case may be predetermined. A cassation appeal is pending before the Court of Cassation, but no date has been set for a decision, leading to fears of prolonged detention during July and August. EPG recalls that following the regime change on August 30, 2023, no wrongdoing, embezzlement, or illicit enrichment was attributed to Bilie-By-Nze, despite his past roles as former Prime Minister and head of several ministerial departments. The party interprets his continued detention without judgment as a political move rather than a pursuit of truth, aimed at neutralizing an opponent whose stances are perceived as disruptive at the highest levels of government. EPG affirms its commitment to relentlessly pursue legal avenues and engage with international partners and bodies to address what it calls an injustice, vowing to defend its president's right
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