As noted in this earlier post, Mark Thatcher (or “Sir Mark” as he is typically referred to in England), son of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, had been caught up in the wild world of Equatorial Guinea (prior posts here), where the enticing combination of rich energy deposits and corrupt local governmental officals led the mercurial Mr. Thatcher to get caught up in a coup attempt last year. Here is the Telegraph’s article on the matter.
Well, according to this BBC News account, it appears that Sir Mark has been able to take care of that dirty business in South Africa with a fine and a suspended sentence. Despite the plea bargain, do not expect the Thatcher family to be vacationing in Equatorial Guinea anytime soon.
Houston's Clear Thinkers
Longtime Houston attorney Tom Kirkendall's observations on developments in law, business, medicine, culture, sports, and other matters of general interest to the Houston business, professional, and academic communities.
Tom,
I’m not sure I understand. What does South Africa have to do with Equatorial Guinea?
TP, Thatcher is a citizen of South Africa. The South African government brought charges against him under a South African “illegal aid to disrupt foreign government-type” statute in connection with his help in financing the coup plot. His plea deal resolves those charges, but Thatcher would still face prosecution if the Equatorial Guinea government ever got ahold of him. Of course, prosecution would still be preferable to being eaten, which is what the EG public officials do to some of their enemies. ;^)