Benin: Hugues Sossoukpè expected for another interview this Monday

According to sources close to the case, this hearing is part of his arrest in Côte d’Ivoire and his transfer to Benin. Sossoukpè was heard for the first time on Friday, July 11, after which he was placed in provisional detention at Ouidah’s civil prison.

In a statement released on Sunday, July 13, the defense team of the web-activist confirmed his detention and expressed great concerns about the silence of the Beninese and Ivorian authorities. “Indeed, Mr. Comlan Hugues Sossoukpè is currently detained at the civil prison in Ouidah (Benin)”, the lawyers indicated.

The statement denounces the total lack of official information regarding the circumstances of the arrest and transfer of their client, which is contrary to principles of transparency and respect for the rule of law. The lawyers are calling for an immediate clarification of the situation by the two states.

“Any arrest made in violation of his international protected status, outside any regular judicial procedure and without the assistance of a lawyer, cannot be considered as conforming to the law”, maintains the defense. The legal team of Mr. Sossoukpè speak of a procedural abuse and warn that the presumed perpetrators of this situation will have to answer for their acts before the competent national and international jurisdictions.