Thatcher to be tried in absentia

[emad]

BBC News


Sir Mark Thatcher is to be tried in his absence by a court in Equatorial Guinea over an alleged plot to overthrow its president, a defence lawyer said.

Fabian Nsue Nguema said eight new names, including Sir Mark's, have been added to the list of accused.

Last month Sir Mark appeared in court in Cape Town as his lawyers argued against an order forcing him to answer questions about a suspected coup plot. ..........

The announcement came on Tuesday as the trial of 19 defendants accused of seeking to overthrow the president of the small, oil-rich West African nation, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, resumed after a two-month recess.

"Eight new names have been added to the list of accused, including Britain's Mark Thatcher who will be tried in absentia," said Mr Nsue, who is representing South African Nick du Toit, who is accused of being in charge of logistics for an attempted coup against the president.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4015895.stm

NEW NAMES: Peter Mandelson and Jack Straw, as reported on DU, passim...?

[emad]

1. Thatcher called to coup plot trial

dAILY mAIL
15:20pm 16th November 2004

Equatorial Guinea is seeking the extradition of former prime minister's son Sir Mark Thatcher to put him on trial for his alleged role in a coup plot in the isolated, oil-rich west African nation.
Prosecutors have added Thatcher and seven others to the list of those charged in the alleged March take over plot, legal officials said in the capital Malobo.

"It's not a question of being tried in absentia," a legal official close to Attorney General Jose Olo Obono said. The intention is "to invite him to come along."

However, a defence lawyer said Thatcher could be tried in his absence.

Thatcher, the 51-year-old businessman son of Baroness Thatcher, is now under arrest in South Africa in connection with the alleged plot.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=326382&in_page_id=1770

[LisaM]

2. Damn it, I thought you meant MAGGIE

Better late than never. But instead you meant her ethically-challenged son.