The life of Simon Mann, a former British Army officer and mercenary known for his involvement in a coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea, came to an end at 72 due to a heart attack. Despite his notoriety and significant prison sentence, Mann expressed regret over his past decisions.
Controversial Mercenary Simon Mann Passes Away at 72
Controversial Mercenary Simon Mann Passes Away at 72
Simon Mann, once a key figure in a failed coup in Equatorial Guinea, has died from a heart attack while exercising, leaving a complex legacy behind.
Former British Army officer and mercenary Simon Mann, notorious for his role in an unsuccessful coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea in 2004, has died of a heart attack while exercising, as confirmed by friends. The 72-year-old amassed considerable wealth through his work in conflict zones, yet his involvement in the failed coup overshadowed much of his career.
Mann, who received a hefty 34-year prison sentence on arms charges, later described himself as the “manager, not the architect” of the coup which aimed to dethrone the current ruler of Equatorial Guinea. His arrest with fellow mercenaries occurred during an attempt to load arms onto a plane in Zimbabwe, a venture he claimed was thwarted by the CIA.
After serving just three years of his sentence in Zimbabwe, he was transferred to Black Beach Prison in Equatorial Guinea, where he faced dire warnings about his survival. In 2009, he was pardoned, released, and given only 48 hours to vacate the country. Following his release, Mann changed his tone about his actions, expressing remorse and stating that "however good the money is," ethical considerations should ultimately prevail.
