Sir Mark Thatcher fights 'coup' interview

Lawyers for Sir Mark Thatcher are challenging a subpoena forcing him to answer questions about his role in an alleged coup plot in Equatorial Guinea.  South Africa's high court will hear the challenge on 21 September, the day before Sir Mark is to answer questions in a Cape Town magistrates' court. A lawyer said the subpoena infringed the 51-year-old's right to a fair trial. Sir Mark is due in court in November on charges under anti-mercenary laws. He denies involvement in the alleged plot. Equatorial Guinea investigators have set the questions they want Sir Mark to answer about his role in the alleged conspiracy to topple President Teodoro Obiang Nguema. The son of former British prime minister Baroness Thatcher was arrested last month by South African police and released after posting bail of £167,000, reportedly paid by his 78-year-old mother. He is accused of helping to fund the purchase of a helicopter, breaching laws banning South African residents from taking part in foreign military action. He faces 15 years in jail if convicted.  [more ]