2017: Ekvatorial-Guinea: Ramón Esono Ebalé
Ramón Esono Ebalé, a cartoonist from Equatorial Guinea who is well known for his critic depiction of his country’s president and the regime, was arrested on 16th September. While questioned about his political views, he is being charged of laundering and counterfeiting money.
President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea
Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
Palacio Pesidencial
Avenida de la Libertad Malabo
Equatorial Guinea
October 24th 2017
Your Excellency,
PEN International and The Norwegian Writers in Prison Committee calls for the immediate and unconditional release of cartoonist Ramón Esono Ebalé.
Ramón Esono Ebalé, alias Jamon y Queso, is a cartoonist and activist who has won several awards for his work. On September 16th he was arrested while out to dinner with friends, and according to reports questioned about his drawings of your Excellency and of other high-ranking officials, as well as his political views. He was also criticised for writings on his blog.
When he was presented before a judge however, Mr Ebalé was informed that he was being investigated for alleged money laundering and counterfeiting money. These allegations appear groundless and Mr Ebalé is still held in Black Beach prison, despite the fact that he has yet to be charged with an offence.
PEN International and The Norwegian Writers in Prison Committee believe that Ramón Esono Ebalé is being held arbitrarily in relation to his activism and work. This is a clear violation of his right to freedom of expression.
We therefore ask that you immediately and unconditionally release Mr Ebalé.
Yours sincerely,
Mari Moen Holsve
Member of Writers in Prison Committee
Norwegian PEN
COPY: The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
