US Edition
Detained Aid Worker Joseph Figueira Martin Freed in Central African Republic
His family said he was freed after nearly two years in detention over spying and coup allegations, though officials had not confirmed the release.
- On Tuesday, Joseph Figueira Martin, a dual Belgian-Portuguese consultant for FHI, was released from a Central African Republic military prison after nearly two years, his family told The Associated Press.
- Authorities arrested Figueira Martin in Zemio in May 2024 on allegations of spying, communicating with armed groups to plot a coup, and jeopardizing national security.
- Following the arrest, the government warned foreign NGO workers against activities that could jeopardize national security or face judicial proceedings, reflecting tightened oversight of aid organizations.
- Central African Republic officials have not yet confirmed the release or commented on his legal case status, leaving his situation ambiguous despite family reports.
- Since 2013, the country has faced prolonged unrest; President Faustin-Archange Touadera, in office since 2016, has relied on The Russian Wagner mercenary group to counter 14 armed groups that undermined a 2019 peace deal.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Central African Republic frees Belgian-Portuguese NGO worker
Joseph Figueira Martin had been sentenced to 10 years of hard labour in November for undermining state security. The Portuguese foreign minister said the NGO worker left the Centra African Republic on Tuesday.
Associated Press News
Detained aid worker Joseph Figueira Martin freed in Central African Republic
Joseph Figueira Martin, a detained aid worker, has been freed in the Central African Republic. His family told The Associated Press he was headed back to Lisbon.
Joseph Figueira Martin, a Belgian-Portuguese employee of an American NGO who was detained in the Central African Republic, has been released. This was stated by the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Noticias ao Minuto
Correio da ManhãThe President of the Republic, Antonio José Seguro, expressed "great satisfaction" today by the liberation of the luxury-belt Martin Joseph Figeira, who was imprisoned since May 2024 in the Central African Republic (CCA).
Joseph Figeira Martin was detained in the RCA from May 2024 and was sentenced in November 2025 to 10 years of hard work forced by criminal conspiracy and attempted to mine the security of the State. Antonio José Seguro called on the President of the RCA on Thursday to intervene in freedom, and has already contacted this Wednesday.
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