Angola: Further Information: Angolan activist released a week early: Francisco Mapanda
Francisco Mapanda (also known as Dago Nível Intelecto) was released from Comarca de Caquila prison on 21 November, seven days earlier than when he was due to be released. The reason for his early release is unknown.
Further Information UA: 164/16 Index: AFR 12/5205/2016 Angola Date: 28 November 2016
URGENT ACTION
ANGOLAN ACTIVIST RELEASED A WEEK EARLY
Francisco Mapanda (also known as Dago Nível Intelecto) was released from Comarca de
Caquila prison on 21 November, seven days earlier than when he was due to be released.
The reason for his early release is unknown.
Francisco Mapanda (also known as Dago Nível Intelecto) was released from Comarca de Caquila prison on 21
November. Franciso Mapanda was due to be released on 28 November after completing his eight month prison
sentence. The reason for his early release is unknown. The prison officials have not provided any information on
his release, nor was there a legal basis for this explained on the writ of release.
In his own words to Amnesty International after his release, Francisco Mapanda said: “I am quite sure that my
freedom was influenced by the international pressure from Amnesty International and other organisations. I would
like to ask everyone to continue the struggle and the work for the protection and promotion of human rights.
Continue the fight.”
Francisco Mapanda was following the sentencing of the 17 Angolan activists on 28 March and said out loud that
“the trial is a farce”. The judge then opened a separate proceeding against Francisco Mapanda on the same day,
convicted him for contempt of court (desacato) and sentenced him to eight months in prison.
Amnesty International considered Francisco Mapanda to be a prisoner of conscience, imprisoned and convicted
solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression.
No further action is requested of the UA network. Many thanks to those who sent appeals.
This is the second update of UA 164/16. Further information: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr12/4784/2016/en/
Name: Francisco Mapanda
Gender m/f: Male
Further information on UA: 164/16 Index: AFR 12/5205/2016 Issue Date: 28 November 2016