Family of An Aid Worker Arrested Demands Immediate Release

The family of a Portuguese-Belgian charity worker who was detained in the Central African Republic on suspicion of working with armed groups to plot a coup is still adamantly defending his innocence and calling for his quick release on Tuesday.

This is the case even though the African government maintains that they have proof to support their accusations.

Prior to this, the brother of Joseph Figueira Martin told The Associated Press that the humanitarian worker’s only reason for communicating with the rebels was to make sure he was safe and alive while working in the dangerous areas of the Central African Republic.

Figueiro Martin is being held in a military prison facility in Zemio, a town in the Central African Republic’s southeast.

He started a hunger strike last week to express his disapproval of the conditions surrounding his detention.

A major setback for Central African institutions and humanitarian organizations is highlighted by the family statement about Joseph Figueira Martin’s treatment in Bangui.

Based on information gathered from audio recordings, money transfers, and incitement to commit war crimes, authorities in the Central African Republic have released reports indicating Figueira Martin was involved in the financing and coordination of armed organizations.