Families of Spaniards Detained in Equatorial Guinea Demand Government Action

The families of two Spanish citizens detained in Equatorial Guinea are demanding that the Spanish government increase its efforts to secure their release. The detainees, David Rodriguez from Granada and Javier Maranon from Cordoba, have been held in provisional prison for 20 months on charges of corruption and illicit enrichment related to a digital television project. Their families report that the men are in inhumane conditions, noting that both have lost approximately 20 kilograms and lack adequate healthcare. According to the families, the detainees have remained in provisional custody beyond the legal six month limit in Equatorial Guinea and have not been granted a trial date or access to a lawyer. While the European Parliament requested their release last October, families claim there has been little progress. A center left source frames the situation as a legal battle for damages, reporting a patrimonial claim of 180,000 euros filed against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for inaction. A center right source frames the situation as a plea for diplomatic reinforcement, highlighting the families' request for high level political negotiations between presidents or ministers.