Abinader and the US manage with Guinea the release of Dominican pilot detained since December

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader, in coordination with the United States Department of State, is undertaking diplomatic efforts to establish contact with the authorities of Guinea and seek the release of the pilots detained since the end of December in that African country, including a Dominican citizen. The information was confirmed by the president of the National Pilots Association of the Dominican Republic (ANP), Eugenio Marchena, who assured that the Dominican government has already activated the corresponding diplomatic channels. “The President of the Republic has already given instructions to mobilize diplomatic means and for this situation to be resolved as soon as possible,” said Marchena. Dominican pilot Fabio Nicolás Espinal Núñez, 33, residing in New Jersey, and American Bradley Scott Schlenke, 63, residing in Chicago, have been detained since December 28 in the city of Conakry, Guinea. Both were arrested after making a technical stop for refueling, under the accusation of having violated the country’s airspace. The National Association of Pilots, along with the family of Espinal Núñez, denounced that the detention is arbitrary and called on international civil aviation organizations and pilot associations to intercede on behalf of the Dominican aviator.

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For his part, Nelson Espinal, the pilot’s father, reported that he has maintained telephone communication with his son and assured that he is in good health, although unjustly detained. “He is fine, but unjustly imprisoned,” he stated during a press conference. Espinal’s father, also a pilot by profession, maintained that the accusation lacks foundation, since international flights comply with protocols and prior permits before landing in any country, in addition to the fact that the aircraft are constantly monitored through their registration. Through the embassy accredited in Morocco, the Dominican authorities remain in contact with the Guinean ambassador, while diplomatic efforts continue to achieve the release of the pilots.