Gabon: former deputy Bertrand Zibi Abeghe must be released on Tuesday
Bertrand Zibi Abeghe and his lawyers, on July 2, 2019, at the Libreville Court of First Instance during his trial in Gabon.
© RFI/Yves-Laurent Goma
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
Some present him as Gabon's most famous prisoner.
In detention for six years, former deputy Bertrand Zibi Abeghe must be released on Tuesday, September 13.
He had been arrested at the end of August 2016, during the post-election crisis, then convicted of "
violence, assault and illegal possession of a firearm
".
He had filed an appeal in cassation, before withdrawing it.
The former elected official went to the end of his sentence.
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For six years, he never stopped proclaiming his innocence.
His entourage has always considered him a political prisoner, imprisoned for having made the affront of resigning with a bang in front of President Bongo.
Today, his family is impatiently awaiting his release, even if they remain on their guard, as his brother Maël Nhoge-Abéghé explains: “
It's a feeling of relief, already.
Six years spent behind bars for someone who did nothing, it's a whole family that also finds itself in prison.
We remember someone very strong, who remained firm in his boots and in his convictions.
This is what also gave us the strength to fight.
The whole family is waiting for him to give him all the love and comfort he needs.
But until the last second, we will always remain on the alert because you know how things are here.
»
►Also read
: Gabon: opponent Bertrand Zibi Abeghe again before the Libreville Court of Appeal
Bertrand Zibi Abéghé said he was the victim of ill-treatment.
He wrote to the European Union, to ambassadors, to the clergy and even to the President of the Republic.
Without success.
Reaching the end of his sentence, his lawyer, Me Jean-Paul Moumbembé, said calmly: “
I am very happy.
Even he himself -
and yet he is still in prison
- is overjoyed.
You know freedom is something.
A day of freedom is a lifetime.
To be in prison for more than five years is months and years wasted, but he has hope.
»
The lawyer advised him, once out, to go and rest for a while in the United States, Bertrand Zibi Abéghé also having American nationality.
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