The Hague, 02 October 2006 - UNPO raises concern about the arrest of Mr. Raul Danda, spokesman of the Cabindan Human Rights Organization, Mpalabanda, by Angolan police and has issued a series of appeals, including to José Eduardo dos Santos, President of the Angola Republic; Mr. Manuel Aragão, Angolan Ministry of Justice; Ms. Hina Jilani, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders; and to the Ambassador of Angola in Brussels.

On 29 September 2006, 5 pm, Mr. Raul Danda, spokesman of the Cabindan Human Rights Organization, Mpalabanda, was arrested by Angolan police at the Cabinda airport.

The circumstances under which Mr. Danda was arrested and has been held detained give rise to a series of questions and concerns. According to his lawyer Mr. Martinho Nombo, Mr. Raul Danda is under persecution because of his active role in civil society and human rights work in Cabinda, for being outspoken in denouncing corruption and human rights abuses committed by Angolan authorities.

UNPO has strongly urged the Angolan authorities and relevant UN mechanisms to take action and intervene on the following recommendations:

to ensure that Mr. Danda is not tortured or ill-treated and that he is given due legal counsel in accordance with international law standards;

to make known the precise charges under which Mr. Danda is held; and ensure the immediate and unconditional release, unless charged with a recognizably criminal offence; and

to take measures to end arbitrary arrests of civil society representatives engaged in non-violent and legitimate initiatives and to allow for the freedom of expression and association of civil society in Cabinda.

Cabinda has been a Member of UNPO since 1997.