LONDON - The family of British mercenary Simon Mann said Tuesday they were delighted at his pardon by authorities in Equatorial Guinea, saying they expect him to be released shortly.
"The family is absolutely delighted that Simon has been pardoned and is to be released shortly," the family said in a statement, after Equatorial Guinea granted amnesty to Mann and South African Nick Du Toit over a failed coup plot in 2004.
"Everyone is profoundly grateful to the president and the government of Equatorial Guinea. The whole family is overjoyed at the prospect of finally welcoming Simon home after five-and-a-half long years away," it added.
A spokesman for the family said Mann, a former member of the British army's special forces, was due to arrive home "in the next few days".
The 57-year-old was sentenced last year to 34 years behind bars for his part in the failed plot in the oil-rich west African nation.
