On July 23, President Teodoro Obiang in an interview...

On July 23, President Teodoro Obiang in an interview said that it is not up to the president to decide if the death penalty should be abolished. A referendum would have to be held. There have been a series of elections recently (presidential and local) and the local elections will soon be held again. When the elections are over, the Government will become involved in the issue.Harassment of political opponents to the government of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo continues to be widespread. Prisoners are held in overcrowded cells in Malabo, the capital, on Bioko Island. Eleven prisoners, whose death sentences were commuted, continue to be held incommunicado and at least two are not receiving the medical treatment they need.