Gelson Emanuel Quintas, widely known as “Man Gena,” is reportedly being subjected to severe treatment in an Angolan prison, confined to a disciplinary cell where he is only allowed to leave briefly for meals.
Activist Tanaice Neutro has raised alarm over his wellbeing, citing Man Gena’s asthma and urgent need for medical care.
Neutro condemned the prison authorities’ decision, stressing that disciplinary cells are typically reserved for inmates convicted of grave crimes such as homicide.
“His presence in such a regime is unjustified,” she asserted, urging President João Lourenço to intervene for Man Gena’s release.
Man Gena was arrested in February 2024 shortly after returning from Mozambique, where he had been expelled by the authorities.
His detention stems from outstanding charges in Angola related to insults, defamation, and alleged illicit activities, though the exact details have not been fully disclosed.
The Criminal Investigation Service (SIC) alleges that Man Gena’s company, Departamento de Cobranças e Dívidas (DCD), was contracted to mediate a land ownership dispute.
During the eviction of occupants from the disputed land, reportedly acting under a valid power of attorney, construction tools and materials—including shovels and hoes—were allegedly stolen.
Following the eviction, the landowner, known as Paulo, filed a complaint accusing Man Gena and his team of aggravated robbery.
Additional charges include breach of trust, for misusing funds intended for a specific purpose, and criminal association, for allegedly acting collectively in the eviction and theft.
Man Gena has denied any direct involvement in the disappearance of materials, maintaining that his actions were legally sanctioned.
He also claimed that one of his collaborators is related to a senior SIC official, raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest that may have affected the investigation’s direction.
The case remains ongoing, while questions surrounding Man Gena’s treatment in custody continue to provoke calls for justice and humane conditions.
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