Gambiaj.com – (BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau) – The Superior Military Court of Guinea-Bissau has ordered the release of José Américo Bubo Na Tchuto, the country’s former Navy chief, after more than three years in pretrial detention without formal charges.
Na Tchuto, who was accused of involvement in an alleged coup attempt on February 1, 2022, was freed on Wednesday following the first hearing of his trial.
The proceedings were suspended until October after defense lawyers raised procedural concerns, including the legality of witnesses presented by the prosecution and the lack of formal charges against the accused.
The court imposed a coercive measure requiring Na Tchuto to remain in Guinea-Bissau and report regularly to authorities while awaiting trial.
Speaking after the hearing, defense attorney Marcelino Intupé said the detention of his client was unlawful and highlighted that the court itself had previously ruled in favor of his release, a decision never implemented. “Our Constitution and international instruments binding the State of Guinea-Bissau do not permit indefinite detention. A person must know why they are being held and for how long,” Intupé stressed.
He further questioned the credibility of some witnesses, arguing that members of the Armed Forces General Staff, who conducted arrests and interrogations and produced reports for the prosecution, could not serve as impartial witnesses in the same case. “If the General Staff is a party to the proceedings, it cannot at the same time present evidence as witnesses,” he said.
The hearing, held under tight restrictions, was attended by family members, lawyers, journalists, and high-ranking security officials, including Armed Forces spokesman Samuel Fernandes and former Rapid Intervention Police commander Mussa Nambatcha.
Na Tchuto’s case has become emblematic of Guinea-Bissau’s slow justice system, with critics pointing to systemic delays and prolonged detentions beyond legal limits. “Justice is slow in Guinea-Bissau. There are other detainees who have also exceeded the legal deadlines for trial,” Intupé noted.
The trial is expected to resume in October, when the court will determine whether the evidence is sufficient to proceed. Until then, Na Tchuto will remain free under court supervision.
