Amnesty International has condemned police violence against peaceful rallies in Mozambique, following reports of shootings and detentions of opposition supporters after disputed elections. Khanyo Farise called for the respect of peaceful assembly rights, emphasizing the need for police to protect demonstrators amidst ongoing protests over election irregularities.
In response to alarming reports of police violence against peaceful political rallies in Mozambique, Amnesty International has issued a strong condemnation. Following the disputed national elections, police in Nampula city reportedly fired live ammunition at supporters of opposition presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, resulting in injuries and detentions. Khanyo Farise, the Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at Amnesty International, emphasized that the police must respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly, irrespective of the election outcome. Police actions included not only the shooting of at least one individual during a welcoming rally for Mondlane, who is an opposition figure, but also the arbitrary arrest of David Calisto Bandeira, a musician who supports the opposition PODEMOS party. Bandeira was charged with inciting violence for his songs that favor the opposition. These events unfolded amidst ongoing demonstrations from Mondlane’s supporters, sparked by preliminary election results indicating a lead by the ruling Frelimo party. Incidents of violence were noted earlier, including the wounding of two individuals by police at polling places in different locations, highlighting a pattern of excessive force used by law enforcement. Mondlane has announced plans for a nationwide strike, emphasizing calls for transparency and accountability following allegations of irregularities throughout the electoral process.
The political climate in Mozambique has been tense following the recent national elections. On October 16, a rally welcoming Venâncio Mondlane drew significant attention when police engaged in aggressive actions, including firing on attendees. This unrest is framed within a broader context of alleged electoral malpractice, stemming from the ruling Frelimo party’s advances in preliminary results. The atmosphere is compounded by ongoing protests led by Mondlane’s supporters, signifying widespread discontent regarding the election’s integrity.
Amnesty International’s condemnation of police violence against peaceful demonstrators underscores the critical need for respect for human rights within Mozambique, particularly concerning the right to assembly. The reported incidents of police shootings and arbitrary detentions call for urgent examination and accountability mechanisms to safeguard democratic freedoms in the country. As the situation continues to develop, the pressure for transparency and integrity in the electoral process remains paramount.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
