Appeals court upholds detention despite procedural challenges
Prominent opposition figure Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze has been held since April 16 amid allegations of embezzlement and fraud dating back to 2008. His legal team argues that the charges are time-barred and lack legal merit. The court’s Tuesday ruling means his detention will continue while the case proceeds.
Defense alleges irregularities in arrest and detention
In a statement, lead attorney Me Arthur Vercken condemned what he called “grave violations” of Gabonese law and fair trial guarantees. The opposition party Ensemble pour le Gabon claims Bilie-By-Nze was subjected to “harsh” arrest conditions and denied access to legal counsel during the initial hours of his detention before being formally remanded.
President denies executive interference
Addressing the case in a recent interview, President Brice Oligui Nguema maintained that the judiciary operates independently. “This is a private matter with no executive involvement,” he stated, emphasizing the constitutional separation of powers. Bilie-By-Nze previously served as Prime Minister under former President Ali Bongo and lost to Oligui Nguema in the 2025 presidential election. His arrest followed repeated criticism of government policies, including social media bans and nationality law reforms.