Resolution on the arbitrary detention of EU citizens Javier Marañón Montero and David Rodríguez Ballesta in Equatorial Guinea

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the arbitrary detention of EU citizens Javier Marañón Montero and David Rodríguez Ballesta in Equatorial Guinea.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew and Greens/EFA groups.

Spanish citizens Javier Marañón Montero and David Rodríguez Ballesta were arrested in Malabo in January 2025 in connection with a failed digital television project. On 7 April 2025, they were transferred to Black Beach prison, notorious for inhumane conditions and systematic human rights violations.

Their detention has strained relations between Spain and Equatorial Guinea, especially amid obstructed consular access and retaliatory isolation following the illegal interception of private conversations with Spanish diplomats. Both detainees have been denied access to legal representation and family contact, with Montero's health reportedly deteriorating due to a hunger strike.

Parliament strongly condemned the repeated cases of unacceptable detention conditions and ill-treatment of prisoners in Equatorial Guinea. It considered them to be a clear international human rights law violation and called on the authorities to take immediate and unconditional measures, including lifting pretrial detention, to ensure the well-being of Mr Montero and Mr Ballesta and respect for their rights, including the right to a fair trial, access to medical care and legal advice.

It also expressed concern over judicial subordination, ongoing human rights abuses, and systemic corruption in Equatorial Guinea under the regime of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema.

The resolution called for intensified diplomatic efforts regarding their cases and for Equatorial Guinea to sign the Samoa Agreement to improve international cooperation and human rights compliance.