Rafael Marques de Morais accused them of links to the “blood diamond” trade. He is a long-standing critic of President Jose Eduardo dos Santos’ 35-year rule in Angola, BBC online writes Tuesday.
Dissent is generally not tolerated in Angola and some critics of the authorities are either bought off, jailed or disappear.
The latest case against Mr de Morais comes after he wrote a book, “Blood Diamonds: Torture and Corruption in Angola”.
Speaking after the case was adjourned (udsat) until 23 April, Mr de Morais said: “I went to court today facing nine charges of criminal defamation (bagvaskelse). I left slapped with up to 15 additional ones for defamation.”
He states, that Angola’s leaders lead Western lifestyles with luxury homes and cars. The country – one of Africa’s major oil producers – has witnessed an economic boom, though critics of the elected government say the wealth has only benefited a small elite.
If found guilty he could be sentenced to up to nine years in prison and fined 1,2 million US dollar (henved otte mio. DKR).
The unregulated diamond trade fuelled Angola’s 27-year civil war, which ended in 2002.
