The Hague, 18 April 2007 – Court hearings on the preliminary investigation of Southern Cameroons National Council representatives arrested at a press conference on 20 January 2007, including UNPO Member Representative Nfor Ngala Nfor, commenced on 17 April before presiding judge Mr. Nchu Julius in Bamenda Southern Cameroons.

As those members from the Cameroonian armed forces responsible for conducting the arrests failed to appear in court, including Mr. Sombe Simon, the hearings could not proceed. Further hearings have been adjourned until 19 June 2007.

Hearings concern SCNC activists Nfor Ngala Nfor (54), Mbinglo H. Humphrey (65),  Achu Nji David (56), Stephen Kongnso (45), Dzeni Augustine Shieyntum (36), Henry Lamnyam (35), Lucas Ngwa Che (57), Nguemu Clement Atanga (60), Mongo Steven (43), Mbi Ann Rita (60), and Asunkwan Samuel Ngeiwih (65).

Several of the activists have grown ill due to their prolonged imprisonment in Bamenda central prison, while awaiting bail hearings. SCNC members remained detained for over 50 days before finally being released on bail on 14 March 2007.

One SCNC representative, Mr. Tantoh Simon Nshukwi, still awaits his bail hearing, as previous attempts have consistently been delayed.

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