- Pastor has been released from detention
- Mangue was arrested in 2022
- He was held without trial
Rubén Maye Nsue Mangue, a pastor and former justice minister in Equatorial Guinea, has been released from detention after being pardoned by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema.
Mangue was arrested in 2022 for criticizing the president in an audio recording, calling him a “demon” and refusing to apologize.
He was held without trial or legal representation for two years, accused of provoking public disorder. President Obiang, who has been in power since 1979, is considered one of Africa’s most authoritarian rulers.
Mangue’s release was granted along with 19 others, with the expectation that they will behave as “repentant citizens.” Mangue has previously served as a government official, including as justice minister and ambassador to the US, but was fired and later accused of assault, though he enjoyed diplomatic immunity at the time.
