Thatcher probe delays coup trial

The court hearing a coup trial in Equatorial Guinea suspended proceedings indefinitely today, heeding prosecutors’ requests for more information about the alleged role of Sir Mark Thatcher and other British financiers.

Attorney General Jose Olo Obono asked for the suspension, citing “new revelations” regarding the financing of the alleged conspiracy to take power in this oil-rich nation.

He referred to findings that surfaced after South African authorities arrested Thatcher, son of Britain’s first female prime minister.

The three-judge panel, sitting in the capital Malabo agreed to suspend the trial, giving no indication of when it may resume.

The decision was made despite the objections of defence lawyers, who said the men had already been in prison for six months and had a right to a speedy trial.