Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

French corruption trial of African leader’s son postponed

PARIS – A French court has granted the son of Equatorial Guinea’s president more time to prepare his defence against charges that he spent millions in government funds on high-end cars, art and real estate abroad while his compatriots languish in poverty.

Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue’s lawyer requested a delay in the trial, arguing that he hadn’t had enough preparation time. Defence lawyer Emmanuel Marsigny said the court approved the request Wednesday.

Obiang didn’t appear for the trial, which is the result of years of investigations by French authorities and anti-corruption groups into foreign spending of African dignitaries.

Obiang, Equatorial Guinea’s second vice-president, faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty of corruption, money laundering and embezzlement. His lawyer denies his client did anything illegal.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles