Amnesty International condemns the police’s violent actions against peaceful political rallies in Mozambique following disputed elections. Police fired upon supporters of opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane, resulting in injuries and arrests. The organization insists on the respect for peaceful assembly rights amidst ongoing protests following the election results favoring the ruling party.
Following reports of police violence against peaceful political rallies in Nampula city, Mozambique, Amnesty International has raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of opposition supporters. Police allegedly fired upon supporters of presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, resulting in injuries and detentions. Khanyo Farise, Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at Amnesty International, emphasized the necessity for police to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly, regardless of the election’s outcome. The police’s actions, which included the shooting of live bullets at a political rally and the arbitrary detention of opposition figures, constitute significant violations of both Mozambican and international human rights legislation. Farise reinforced the police’s obligation to safeguard all individuals attending such gatherings. On October 16, the police’s violent response occurred during a rally welcoming Mondlane back to Nampula, a stronghold for the opposition. Additionally, a musician and avid supporter of the PODEMOS party, David Calisto Bandeira, was arrested for allegedly inciting violence through his music, further escalating tensions within the political landscape. Protests by Mondlane’s supporters began on October 12, following the announcement of partial election results that indicated a leading position for the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo. Prior incidents of police violence included shootings at polling stations on October 10, which left several individuals wounded. In response to the perceived electoral irregularities, Mondlane has called for a nationwide strike set for October 21, urging citizens to protest against the alleged misconduct surrounding the elections.
The context of this issue lies within the contentious atmosphere surrounding Mozambique’s recent national elections. Disputed results have ignited protests and heightened tensions between police and opposition supporters, particularly those aligned with the PODEMOS party. The incident in Nampula was part of a broader pattern of violence and intimidation that has characterized the political environment in Mozambique in recent weeks, drawing critical attention from human rights organizations. The actions of the police not only reflect a disregard for human rights but also contribute to the suppression of political dissent, raising alarms about the state of democracy in the country.
In summary, the violent actions taken by the Mozambican police against peaceful opposition rallies are alarming and represent a grave violation of basic human rights. The calls for political assembly and protest from citizens, regardless of their affiliations, should be honored and protected by law enforcement. As the situation in Mozambique continues to evolve, it is imperative that authorities respect democratic processes and the rule of law, ensuring the safety and rights of all citizens during this pivotal moment.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
