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Mann 'confesses' to African coup Mann 'confesses' to African coup
(10 minutes later)
Briton Simon Mann, who is in prison awaiting trial for plotting a coup in Equatorial Guinea, has confessed involvement in the conspiracy.Briton Simon Mann, who is in prison awaiting trial for plotting a coup in Equatorial Guinea, has confessed involvement in the conspiracy.
The ex-SAS officer said he was not the "main man" behind the plans to overthrow the West African nation's government in 2004.The ex-SAS officer said he was not the "main man" behind the plans to overthrow the West African nation's government in 2004.
Speaking to Channel 4 News from an Equatorial Guinea prison, the old Etonian said he had been "stupid".Speaking to Channel 4 News from an Equatorial Guinea prison, the old Etonian said he had been "stupid".
Channel 4 overturned a court injunction banning broadcast of the interview.Channel 4 overturned a court injunction banning broadcast of the interview.
Mann, 55, seen in handcuffs and leg irons, was interviewed at the notorious Black Beach prison in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea.Mann, 55, seen in handcuffs and leg irons, was interviewed at the notorious Black Beach prison in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea.
He told Channel 4 News he had to "carry the can".He told Channel 4 News he had to "carry the can".
"I blame myself most for simply not saying 'cut' two months before we were arrested," he said."I blame myself most for simply not saying 'cut' two months before we were arrested," he said.
"That's what I should have done, and there I was bloody stupid. Mea culpa (my fault).""That's what I should have done, and there I was bloody stupid. Mea culpa (my fault)."
Mann was jailed in Zimbabwe on arms charges in 2004, and rearrested after his release last May.Mann was jailed in Zimbabwe on arms charges in 2004, and rearrested after his release last May.
He was extradited from Zimbabwe in February without the knowledge of his lawyers. During the interview, he described it as an "illegal violent abduction".He was extradited from Zimbabwe in February without the knowledge of his lawyers. During the interview, he described it as an "illegal violent abduction".