Renowned African singer Lapiro de Mbanga has been released from New Bell Prison in Douala, Cameroon, after three years imprisonment under harsh conditions, writes the Copenhagen-based NGO, Freemuse, which is a watchdog against censorship in music, Friday.
Lapiro de Mbanga was the winner of the Freedom to Create Prize in 2009. He received the prize when Freemuse visited him in Cameroon on Music Freedom Day 3 March 2011.
The release was not expected before Saturday morning, but as Freemuse called the singer on Friday afternoon to hear about his expectations he said:
– I have two news for you. A good one and a bad one. Which one do you want to hear? The bad one is that I will not released tomorrow. The good news is that I am already out of prison now, he said, followed by a big laugh.
MAY STILL face security problems
Marie Korpe, Freemuse Executive Director, said:
– We celebrate with Lapiro and his family. We have worked for his release for almost three years in collaboration with many good colleagues and sister organisations.
– But we will continue to observe closely what happens to him. We know that he may still face security problems and we hope that we will be able to retain his career as soon as possible.
Followed closely internationally
Believed to be imprisoned three years ago for his song “Constipated Constitution” critisising President Biya of Cameroon, Lapiro’s case has been followed closely internationally and last year a petition was made to the UN for arbitrary (vilkårlig) detention.
Freemuse has collaborated with Freedom Now, International Pen, Mondomix and his guitar provider Vigier Guitars.
Se også om danske Martin Buch Larsens besøg hos Lapiro i fængslet i marts på http://www.freemuse.org/sw40847.asp
Yderligere oplysninger hos:
Ole Reitov, Freemuse Programme Officer
Mobil: 23 23 27 65 og e-mail: [email protected]
