Translations of Arabic evidence wanted in terrorism case
A defense lawyer in Namibia has requested English translations of Arabic evidence in the terrorism trial of Jona Hangula. Hangula faces multiple charges, including high treason and terrorism, related to an alleged plot to overthrow the government and establish an Islamic state.
Why it matters
This case marks the first prosecution under Namibia's 2014 anti-terrorism legislation and highlights procedural challenges in international terrorism trials.
A defence lawyer representing terrorism accused Jona Hangula in a case that is pending in the Windhoek High Court has requested the state to provide him with English translations of disclosed evidence written in Arabic.
Defence lawyer Joas Neemwatya told deputy judge president Hannelie Prinsloo during an appearance by Hangula (33) in the High Court at Windhoek Correctional Facility yesterday that he needs English translations of material written in Arabic that forms part of the disclosed police docket of Hangula’s case.
Prinsloo told Neemwatya and deputy prosecutor general Lourens Campher that she wants to see progress made in the matter, which has been pending in the High Court since last May, before she postponed the case to 20 August for another pretrial appearance by Hangula.
Campher said the state will attempt to have the requested translations done before Hangula’s next court appearance.
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