Lawyers have, for the first time, had an exchange with political activist Ramon Cotta, whose real name is Steeve Akam.
Before now, he was held incommunicado since he was arrested and deported from Gabon to face Cameroon’s judiciary over his political opinions aired mostly on social media.
On Tuesday, August 20, Maitre Hypolite Meli revealed that he was granted access to the political detainee by the Prosecutor of the Yaounde Military Court.
“We were able to exchange with him for two hours in the security cell of the Yaounde Military Court with the permission of the prosecutor,” said Maitre Hypolite.
He said Cotta showed signs of torture and visual impairment, with the left side of his body almost paralyzed.
Held in a dark room, Ramon Cotta, he said, needs medical attention.
At the time of arrest, Cotta had on him a telephone, and a wallet with FCFA 27,000 and some documents.
“His phone is under investigation and his resident card confiscated by the DGRE as well as the 27,000 he had in his wallet at the time of arrest Infront of his store,” Maitre Hypolite added.
He said Cotta’s status remains uncertain.
Ramon Cotta is being investigated on five charges, including act of terrorism, insurrection, financing of terrorism, arms trafficking, contempt of the Head of State and Members of Government.
