EQUIPO NIZKOR |
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27Nov04
South African jailed for 34 years over coup bid
A man convicted of leading an attempted coup in Equatorial Guinea has been sentenced to 34 years in jail.
South African Nick du Toit escaped the death penalty.
The South African was found guilty of trying to overthrow the Government of Equatorial Guinea.
The prosecution's demands for the death penalty were dismissed.
Du Toit initially confessed that he was the leader of a group of mercenaries.
But he later withdrew the statement, saying it was made after he was tortured by police.
Du Toit's relatives in South Africa said they were too distraught to comment on the sentence.
Sir Mark Thatcher, the son of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has been charged with financing the plot.
He will face court again in Cape Town in April.
[Source: Australian Broadcasting Company, 27Nov04]
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