Mozambican police dispersed Venâncio Mondlane’s supporters with tear gas outside the attorney general’s office, where he was facing legal proceedings related to post-election protests. Mondlane criticized the attorney general’s office as biased and underscored ongoing violence allegations against his organization. He is subject to multiple lawsuits as authorities seek financial restitution for protest-related damages.
Mozambican police used tear gas on Tuesday to disperse a group of supporters for Venâncio Mondlane gathered outside the attorney general’s office in Maputo. The supporters had assembled early in the morning to express solidarity with Mondlane, who is facing legal scrutiny related to post-election unrest. Law enforcement restricted vehicular and pedestrian access on Avenida Vladimir Lenine, where the attorney general’s office is located.
Around 12:20 p.m. local time, riot police employed tear gas to move supporters from the premises. Mondlane had arrived at the office by 9 a.m. and was greeted with cheers from his supporters. In a brief statement, he expressed his calmness but criticized the attorney general’s office as “biased and partisan.”
Earlier, police from the Rapid Intervention Unit were deployed around the area to manage the crowd. Mondlane is currently subject to multiple cases stemming from protests and unrest following the elections in Mozambique, and he has expressed concerns about the nature of these lawsuits, describing them as attempts to intimidate.
He noted his previous complaints regarding violence against his political organization, which reportedly involved numerous serious incidents, including fatalities. Mondlane accused the attorney general’s office of failing to address these complaints impartially, further questioning its integrity.
The scheduled hearing at the attorney general’s office was initially set for Monday but was postponed at Mondlane’s request. The attorney general’s office is pursuing €1.5 million in damages related to protests, in addition to previous lawsuits totaling approximately €486,000. The prosecution alleges that Mondlane’s earlier actions have undermined democratic principles. The attorney general’s office regards the self-proclaimed “presidential decree” as a violation of constitutional laws, pointing to its provocative content as evidence of unconstitutional aims.
The events surrounding Venâncio Mondlane’s legal battles highlight significant tensions within Mozambican politics. The police’s forceful response to demonstrators indicates a pronounced governmental stance against dissent. Mondlane’s criticisms reflect ongoing frustrations with legal proceedings perceived as politically motivated, raising questions about the integrity of the judicial system in Mozambique. As the situation evolves, the dialogue concerning political liberties and judicial impartiality remains crucial for the nation’s democracy.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
