The 15 youth activists were arrested and detained by Angolan security forces between 20 and 24 June in Luanda in connection with a peaceful meeting they attended to discuss politics and governance concerns under Angola’s President, José Eduardo dos Santos. They were formally charged on 16 September with preparing a rebellion and a coup attempt against the president, but their lawyers were only officially informed of the charges on 30 September. The activists were therefore held in pre-trial detention for longer than 90 days, as is permitted by law. These charges against them are termed as crimes against the security of the state and each carries a penalty of up to 3 years in jail or the corresponding fine.
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