18 Angola activists sentenced to two months jail

Thousands of Unita's (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola) activists gather in the centre of Luanda on August 25, 2012 to ask for free and fair elections.

Eighteen Angolan activists arrested last week at a rally in support of anti-government protesters have been sentenced to two months in jail for distributing leaflets. PHOTO | AFP

What you need to know:

  • The rally last Saturday at which the arrests took place was held in support of detained rapper Luaty Beirao and 14 others on charges of “rebellion and a coup attempt”.

LUANDA, Monday

Eighteen Angolan activists arrested last week at a rally in support of anti-government protesters detained since June, have been sentenced to two months in jail for distributing leaflets, their lawyer said.

The 18 however may be freed as early as Monday on condition they pay fines of 55,260 kwanzas (380 euros) each, David Mendes said.

The detainees, who include well-known rappers Sigilo Suburbano and Avisto Botha, were sentenced for distributing anti-government fliers in Lobito, capital of Benguela province.

Another charge of civil disobedience was dropped.

The rally last Saturday at which the arrests took place was held in support of detained rapper Luaty Beirao and 14 others on charges of “rebellion and a coup attempt”.