Prince Harry urged to step down from wildlife charity amid horror claims

Claims of torture and abuse rock African Parks

Prince Harry is facing mounting pressure to step down from his role at African Parks after the charity was hit with shocking allegations of torturing suspected poachers and abusing tribespeople. The Duke of Sussex has been urged to speak up or stand down from the organization, which aims to rehabilitate and manage national parks.

Fresh allegations emerge

The latest claims surfaced in a new book by Dutch journalist Olivier van Beemen, who spent three years investigating African Parks. The book, titled Entrepreneurs in the Wild, includes testimonies from victims, perpetrators of abuse, and current and former rangers at the charity.

'The swing' method and aggressive tactics

New allegations include the use of a method called 'the swing', which involves suspending a victim in the air and spinning them while beating them with sticks to force them to speak. Additionally, former employees have reported an aggressive military approach to protecting wildlife, with poachers being seen as the enemy who must be 'neutralized'.

Calls for action

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams emphasized the importance of a response from Prince Harry in light of the allegations. Calls have been made for Harry to step down from his position at African Parks, with concerns raised about the impact of the charity's actions on local communities and wildlife.

Charity responds

African Parks has denied the allegations, calling the author of the book biased and labeling the claims as "deeply flawed". The charity highlighted its longstanding partnerships with governments and local communities, as well as its rigorous vetting processes for funding.