Former SAS officer Simon Mann is thought to be heading home tonight after being released early from prison. Mann was arrested in 2004 and was found guilty of plotting a coup in Equatorial Guinea. He was released after serving less than two years of his 34 year sentence.
Mann's family expressed their delight after hearing that Simon will return.
"Everyone is profoundly grateful to the President and the Government of Equatorial Guinea," the Manns said in a statement. "The whole family is overjoyed at the prospect of finally welcoming Simon home after five-and-a-half long years away."
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema issued Mann a full pardon for humanitarian reasons. Four other plotters involved with the case were also pardoned and released.
I had not heard of this case until today. After reading a few of the articles on it, I am astounded. It appears that there may be a major upheaval in Great Britain upon his return. He has implicated a number of high ranking persons including Margaret Thatcher's son in hatching this novel like plot to overthrow a government. It should provide great fodder for the press for months or even years to come.
