Mandelson, Straw and Archer: Simon Mann TV interview to implicate politicians

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March 10, 2008

Mann’s TV interview may reveal failed coup backers

Sam Coates, Chief Political Correspondent
The mercenary accused of plotting to topple the President of Equatorial Guinea is expected to name the backers of the failed coup, after attempts in the High Court to block a television interview failed.

Channel 4 is preparing to broadcast footage of Simon Mann speaking from the Black Beach prison in Equatorial Guinea, in which he is expected to talk about the events leading up to the botched coup before his trial next week.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article3517111.ece

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Mercenary Simon Mann names the British politicans he claims approved of coup attempt
By SAM GREENHILL
10th March 2008



Channel 4 News gained access to Mann in a prison in Equatorial Guinea, where he is being held on charges of trying to overthrow the country's president.

Sir Mark Thatcher, Peter Mandelson, Jack Straw, Jeffrey Archer and Ely Calil, a Lebanese oil trader, are among those who have been drawn into the affair so far. All deny involvement.

A source present during Mann's interview, which has yet to be screened, said last night: "He names a lot of names from the British establishment.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article3517111.ece