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Angola spy accused 'free to go' | Angola spy accused 'free to go' |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A human rights worker being held in Angola on suspicion of espionage has been told she can return to the UK. | A human rights worker being held in Angola on suspicion of espionage has been told she can return to the UK. |
Sarah Wykes from Cumbria was working for charity Global Witness when she was held in the oil-rich Cabinda province. | |
On Wednesday the country's prosecutor general said Ms Wykes was free to go, according to the BBC's correspondent in the Angolan capital, Luanda. | On Wednesday the country's prosecutor general said Ms Wykes was free to go, according to the BBC's correspondent in the Angolan capital, Luanda. |
But her sister Caroline Kennedy said she was still waiting for official confirmation of her release. | |
There are still hoops to go through and formalities to be completed Caroline Kennedy | |
The anti-corruption campaigner had flown into Angola on 11 February and arrived in Cabinda with a colleague a few days later. | The anti-corruption campaigner had flown into Angola on 11 February and arrived in Cabinda with a colleague a few days later. |
Shortly afterwards she was arrested and accused of espionage. | Shortly afterwards she was arrested and accused of espionage. |
Her sister said she is being cautious about news of her impending release. | |
Speaking on Thursday, Mrs Kennedy, who lives in Carlisle, said: "I spoke to Sarah last night and she said the news is very encouraging, but her lawyers haven't received any official notification. | |
"She said there are still hoops to go through and formalities to be completed. Her lawyer is trying to get something concrete. | |
'Baseless claims' | |
"But we are really grateful to all the people in Cumbria who have worked on her behalf. | |
"Many people have written to MPs, who in turn have passed their name onto the Home Office, and this has made a big difference." | |
Ms Wykes may still face charges in Angola and could have to return to the country if a trial is held. | |
However, it remains unclear exactly what she has been accused of. | |
Global Witness has condemned the actions of the Angolan authorities, and described the case against her as "baseless". | Global Witness has condemned the actions of the Angolan authorities, and described the case against her as "baseless". |