PEN International is relieved by reports that the coup charges against writer and political activist Enoh Meyomesse have been dropped, but we remain deeply concerned that he still faces trial before a military tribunal on charges of armed robbery. There have been worrying allegations that the evidence against him is fabricated and PEN is seeking more information regarding these claims.

Background Information

Enoh Meyomesse, 57, is the author of numerous books and is a founding member of the Cameroon Writers Association. He was arrested on November 22, 2011, and charged, alongside three other men, with attempting to organize a coup, possessing a firearm, and aggravated theft. Meyomesse denies all charges and maintains that he is being held because of views expressed in his writings, and for his political activism.
 
In late January, it was reported that the charge of organizing a coup had been dropped, but that the robbery charge was still in place. Meyomesse is currently in the overcrowded Kondengui Central Prison in Yaoundé, where he will be held for at least six months while the government conducts its investigation.
 
There are reports that the prosecution has fabricated evidence, and that Meyomesse has been denied proper access to legal representation, but, due to a lack of further information, PEN International is unable to take a position on the charges against him at this time. However, we are extremely concerned that the Cameroonian authorities are unwilling to allow Meyomesse fair conditions in which to mount a proper defense in an open court.

Write A Letter

  • Calling for a fair and open trial in a civilian court for Meyomesse;
  • Expressing serious concern that Meyomesse has been denied proper access to a lawyer, and that his lawyer has been denied access to the full facts of the charges against his client, breaching Cameroon’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Send Your Letter To

President
President Paul Biya
Fax: +237 22 22 08 70
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
>> Send a message online

Minister of Justice
Hon. Minister of Justice Amadou Ali
Ministry of Justice
Yaoundé
Cameroon
Fax: +237 22 23 00 05

Prime Minister
Mr. Philemon Yang
Fax: +237 22 23 57 35
Email: [email protected]

Please send a copy of your appeals to the diplomatic representative for Cameroon in your country if possible.

Please send appeals immediately. Contact PEN if sending appeals after March 24, 2012: ftw [at] pen.org