Families beg for release of two innocent SA men unlawfully held in Equatorial Guinea, ahead of second Christmas without themFamilies beg for release of two innocent SA men unlawfully held in Equatorial Guinea, ahead of second Christmas without them

The men’s psychological and physical health is a serious concern

Johannesburg, 11 December 2024 – The families of the two innocent South Africans, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, unlawfully detained in Equatorial Guinea for 670 days, are begging the government of Equatorial Guinea to release the men in time for Christmas.

Frik and Peter were arrested on 9 February 2023, and after more than 22 months of imprisonment, their mental and physical health has deteriorated considerably. Both men suffer from chronic health conditions, have lost significant weight, and are experiencing severe mental anguish, resulting in the prison authorities having to call for urgent medical intervention.

On 1 July 2024, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued a formal opinion declaring Frik and Peter’s arrest and ongoing detention arbitrary and unlawful, and called for their immediate release. The South African and UK Governments (Peter is a dual citizen) are also working to secure their release, but unfortunately with not too much progress to date. On 23 October this year, the South African Parliament adopted a unanimous motion, reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to human rights and international law, expressing support for Frik and Peter’s families, and calling on South African authorities to take urgent action to secure the men’s release.

Francois Nigrini, spokesperson for the Huxham family, says: “We are pleading with the Government of Equatorial Guinea to show compassion and mercy in the true spirit of Christmas, and to immediately release Frik and Peter. Their health is our greatest worry. Their long and isolating ordeal has separated them from all family contact, adding to the already profound suffering they endure. As days pass, our families, too, feel the heavy toll of this separation, weighed down by worry, sadness, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. Their release would mean everything to us; it would be a step toward healing the deep wound this has created in our lives. Nearly 700 days of freedom have been unjustly taken from two innocent men. As they begin to rebuild their lives, it would be especially meaningful for them to start this journey during the upcoming Christmas season.”

Shaun Murphy, spokesperson for the Potgieter family, says: “For us, there would be no greater gift than to have our loved ones home for Christmas, a time when we gather in faith to celebrate the birth of Christ; a season of hope, forgiveness, and renewal. Having Frik and Peter with us would be a blessing beyond measure, restoring our families in the spirit of His love and peace, and renewing our faith in the power of compassion and grace. We urge the SA and UK governments to seriously consult with their counterparts in Equatorial Guinea, to achieve the freedom of our men.”

Note to editors:

A fact sheet with full details of Frik and Peter’s case can be found here.

To raise the profile of this matter, and seek support, the families of Frik and Peter launched an online petition and social media profiles on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.