Politics AFRICA, AMERICA, ASIA, BANGUI, BELGIUM, BURKINA FASO, CAR, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, CHAD, CHINA, CORRUPTION, DR CONGO, EUROPE, FAUST, FAUSTIN ARCHANGE TOUADERA, FRANCE, GEORGE, GEORGE FIGUEIRA MARTIN, HUMAN RIGHTS, JAPAN, MA, MALI, MARTIN, MARTIN JOSEPH FIGUEIRA, MARTINS, MAURITANIA, MONEY LAUNDERING, NICOLAS TIANGAYE, NORTH AMERICA, PARIS, PORTUGAL, SECURITY, SUDAN, TRIAL, UNITED STATES, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, USA Nia Simpson March 13, 2025 0 Comments

Alleged US Spy Martin Figueira Faces Trial for Terrorism-Linked Charges in CAR

Martin Joseph Figueira, a dual citizen arrested in the Central African Republic for alleged espionage for the U.S., faces serious charges including providing intelligence to rebel groups and promoting an Islamic State branch. His trial is scheduled for March, while his lawyer plans to seek acquittal, claiming the charges lack merit. Both Belgium and Portugal have remained reticent on the matter, despite mounting evidence against him, which could lead to severe consequences if he is convicted.

Martin Joseph Figueira, a dual citizen of Belgium and Portugal, faces significant allegations of espionage in the Central African Republic (CAR). He was arrested on May 30, 2024, in Bangui, accused of working with rebel groups to undermine President Faustin Archange Touadera’s government by supplying critical intelligence. Additionally, he is charged with encouraging the formation of an Islamic State affiliate linked to other African nations, including Chad and Sudan.

Diplomatic sources have described Mr. Figueira as a Belgo-Portuguese researcher and noted that both Belgium and Portugal have maintained a low profile regarding the charges leveled against him. Meanwhile, the state prosecutor’s office in Bangui asserts they possess evidence demonstrating his collaboration with armed groups, allegedly providing them intelligence on military positions.

Nicolas Tiangaye, the lawyer representing Mr. Figueira, has indicated intent to seek his client’s acquittal in court in March. Mr. Tiangaye plans to present a memo for the judge’s consideration regarding the charges against Mr. Figueira. In a twist, Mr. Figueira’s brother, George, has characterized the arrest as a misunderstanding, insisting his brother was merely searching for peaceful solutions to the conflict.

Following the arrest, George Figueira claimed that authorities in Belgium, Portugal, and Europe have been unresponsive. However, sources indicate that the silence from these nations may stem from the existence of substantial evidence supporting the allegations against Mr. Figueira. If convicted, he risks facing life imprisonment with hard labor as per the legal statutes of the CAR.

The case of Martin Joseph Figueira underscores significant allegations of espionage within the Central African Republic, reflecting complex geopolitical dynamics. Arrested for purportedly aiding rebel groups and promoting extremist agendas, Mr. Figueira’s trial could have substantial implications for international relations. As proceedings unfold, both the defense and prosecution will present their narratives, ultimately contributing to the region’s narrative on conflict and governance. Should he be found guilty, the repercussions under CAR law are severe, emphasizing the gravity of the charges.

Original Source: humanglemedia.com