Cameroon - Coup Charges against Writer Dropped; Still Faces Military Tribunal

Monday, February 6, 2012

Pen International

The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of PEN International is relieved by reports that the coup charges against the writer and political activist Enoh Meyomesse have been dropped, but we remain deeply concerned that he still faces trial before a military tribunal on charges of armed robbery. There have been worrying allegations that the evidence against him is fabricated and PEN is seeking more information regarding these claims.

Enoh Meyomesse, 57, is the author of numerous books and is a founding member of the Cameroon Writers Association. He was arrested on 22 November 2011 and charged, alongside three other men, with 1) attempting to organise a coup 2) possessing a firearm 3) aggravated theft. Meyomesse denies all charges and maintains that he is being held because of views expressed in his writings, and for his political activism.

In late January, it was reported that the charge of organizing a coup had been dropped, but that the robbery charge was still in place. Meyomesse is currently in the over-crowded Kondengui Central Prison in Yaoundé, where he will be held for at least six months while the government conducts its investigation.

There are reports that the prosecution has fabricated evidence, and that Meyomesse has been denied proper access to legal representation, but, due to a lack of further information, PEN International is unable to take a position on the charges against him at this time. However, we are extremely concerned by the Cameroonian authorities' unwillingness to allow Meyomesse fair conditions in which to mount a proper defence in an open court.
 
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