Gabon: court rejects opposition leader’s release request
The Gabonese opposition figure Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze remains behind bars after the Libreville Court of Appeal on Tuesday dismissed his motion to nullify the proceedings against him. His legal team argues the case is marred by irregularities and insists the charges, dating back to 2008, should have long since been time-barred.
Appeals court upholds detention of key opponent
Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, a prominent critic of President Brice Oligui Nguema, has been held in custody since April 16 while facing allegations of embezzlement and fraud allegedly committed in 2008. The court’s decision to reject the procedural nullity claim means the opposition leader will continue to be detained while the legal process advances. His lawyers contend that the accusations lack solid legal foundation and should have been declared inadmissible due to the passage of time.
Legal team condemns alleged procedural flaws
In a statement, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze’s attorney, Me Arthur Vercken, described the proceedings as gravely flawed and in violation of Gabonese law and fair trial guarantees. The opposition party Ensemble pour le Gabon has alleged that the former Prime Minister was arrested under violent circumstances and denied access to legal counsel during the initial hours of detention prior to his formal remand.
President denies involvement in legal case
During an interview, President Brice Oligui Nguema insisted the matter was purely judicial and not politically motivated. “This is a private legal matter and has nothing to do with me,” he stated, emphasizing the independence of Gabon’s judiciary and the constitutional separation of powers. A former ally of former President Ali Bongo, Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze lost to Oligui Nguema in the 2025 presidential election. His arrest followed repeated public criticisms of the government, including opposition to internet shutdowns and proposed changes to nationality laws.
