Hangula opposes closed-door FBI testimony in his terrorism trial

Allexer Namundjembo

Terrorism accused Jona Hangula has asked the High Court to reject the State’s application to hear the evidence of an alleged United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent behind closed doors, arguing that the proceedings should remain open to the public to safeguard his constitutional right to a fair trial.

Court documents seen by the Windhoek Observer show that Hangula has filed a notice of motion and answering affidavit opposing the prosecution’s in camera application, which is set to be heard on 22 July 2026 as an interlocutory matter in the High Court.

Hangula is charged in what he describes as Namibia’s first prosecution under the Prevention and Combating of Terrorist and Proliferation Activities Act since independence.

In his application, Hangula asks the court to dismiss the State’s request for closed proceedings and order that the alleged FBI agent testify in open court.

He further proposes that the witness be allowed to testify remotely via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or a similar platform without appearing on video.