Equatorial Guinea fact-finding, 2003

In July 2003, the IBA conducted a fact-finding mission to Equatorial Guinea following increased concerns at reports of torture, unfair trials and threats to the rule of law in the country.

There were also direct reports that the Minister of Justice had dissolved by decree the Equatorial Guinea Bar Association (the Colegio de Abogados de Guinea Ecuatorial), a member of the International Bar Association (IBA).

The Report details a series of abuses which underline the scale of the challenge. Equatorial Guinea’s constitution guarantees freedom of speech, but there is no effective opposition to Government, and some of those who have tried to provide it have been imprisoned.

The report was released October 2003, entitled: Equatorial Guinea: At the Crossroads.

• Download the full report in English
• Download the full report in Spanish