Family of aid worker detained in Central African Republic for alleged rebel contacts urge release

DAKAR, Senegal — The family of a Portuguese-Belgian aid worker detained in the Central African Republic for allegedly being in touch with armed groups to plot a coup maintained his innocence and called for his release Tuesday, even as the African government said it had evidence to support its accusations. Family of aid worker detained in Central African Republic for alleged rebel contacts urge release The brother of Joseph Figueira Martin earlier told The Associated Press the aid worker had only been in touch with the rebels to help guarantee his safety and stay alive while working in dangerous parts of the Central African Republic. Figueira Martin, a consultant for the American aid organization FHI 360, was arrested in May, according to the Central African Republic prosecutor’s office, over allegations of spying, being in communication with armed groups to plot a coup and jeopardizing national security. The statement comes after authorities in Central African Republic said last week they had found evidence that Figueira Martin financed and coordinated the activities of armed groups. FHI 360 says Figueira Martin had come to the Central African Republic to support the design of a project focused on alleviating poverty, growing economic opportunities and preventing gender-based violence.