International Campaign to free cartoonist Ramón Esono

From Cartoonists Rights.

The Professional Association of Illustrators Madrid

PEN International is extremely concerned over the detention of cartoonist Ramón Esono Ebalé, alias Jamon y Queso, who was arrested on September 16 in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea.

He was initially questioned by security agents in relation to his cartoons that are critical of President Obiang and other government officials. 

News outlets reported a few days later that he is being investigated for alleged money laundering and counterfeiting money.

He was presented before a judge on 20 September where he was asked about these allegations. 

He was subsequently sent to Black Beach prison in Malabo where he is being held in preventive detention while further investigations are conducted. He has yet to be charged with an offence.

PEN International believes that Esono Ebalé is being arbitrarily detained in relation to his activism and work, in violation of his right to freedom of expression, and calls on the authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally.

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Please send appeals calling on the authorities of Equatorial Guinea to:

Immediately and unconditionally release Ramón Esono Ebalé, respect the right to freedom of expression, as enshrined in the Constitution of Equatorial Guinea and as per article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Equatorial Guinea is a state party.

Write to:

President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea
Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
Palacio Presidencial
Avenida de la Libertad Malabo
Equatorial Guinea
Salutation: His Excellency


UPDATES

 CRNI's 2017 Courage in Editorial Cartooning.Award Goes to Equatorial Guinea's Ramón Esono Ebalé

"An imprisoned West African graphic novelist received the Courage in Cartooning award. Will it help?" on Michael Cavna's Comic Riffs blog.