Portuguese Humanitarian Worker Martin Joseph Figueira Faces A Life Sentence in Prison

Portuguese-Belgian citizen Martin Joseph Figueira has been charged by the government of the Central African Republic with spying on behalf of some Western nations, particularly the US.

The advisor to President Archange Touadera provided clarification on the situation with the American NGO FHI 360 member at a press conference held at the Presidential Palace.

The president of Central Africa’s advisor, Yaloké Mokpeme, claims that Figueira is implicated in money transfers and arms delivery, among other written and audio proof. “We trust our country’s justice system, and the elements they possess are so substantial that they could lead to this man’s prosecution and subsequent trial,” Mokpeme said.

Figueira has been in custody for two months after being taken into custody in Zemio, Haut-Mboumou, on May 25. He is charged with conspiracy, spying, inciting hatred, and financing terrorist organizations, including Ali Darassa’s Unity for Peace in Central Africa (UPC). The government asserts that it has audio and material evidence against him, however the non-profit Family Health International 360 rejects the allegations.

Figueira recently began a hunger strike, which the prosecutor characterizes as a ploy to sway public opinion. “The hunger strike is mentioned in the prosecutor’s statement; we cannot ignore it,” Mokpeme stated. “In these kinds of circumstances, the accused always employ this strategy. They make claims on health issues and other things. We are aware that these people have always manipulated public opinion in this way.”