Venâncio Mondlane, a Mozambican politician, will attend a hearing at the PGR in Maputo on Tuesday related to a criminal case against him. His hearing was postponed from an earlier date, and it marks his ongoing legal troubles following protests against recent election results. Several civil actions have also been raised against him due to unrest during these demonstrations, leading to fatalities. Mondlane’s calls for accountability against police actions have led to further scrutiny and legal challenges.
Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane announced his intention to appear at the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) in Maputo on Tuesday for a hearing in a criminal case. Mondlane confirmed his attendance via his official Facebook account, stating, “See you tomorrow, at 9:00 am, at the PGR.” His advisor, Dinis Tivane, corroborated this announcement, indicating that Mondlane had returned from foreign engagements.
The hearing was initially scheduled for today but was postponed to Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. local time due to a request from Mondlane’s representative. A source from the PGR subsequently confirmed the new date for the hearing, which involves one of the criminal cases filed against the former presidential candidate.
Mondlane has been at the center of several legal issues, with at least two known cases linked to protests he led against the election results since October. He has not publicly commented since police used force to disperse supporters during one of his caravans. Moreover, he is facing civil action for damages resulting from the demonstrations.
In November, authorities sought compensation of 1.5 million euros for damages stemming from protests in Maputo province. A separate case at the Maputo City Court addresses an additional claim for over 32 million meticais (approximately 486 thousand euros) related to the unrest in the capital.
On January 27, the PGR initiated proceedings against Mondlane for releasing a self-declared ‘presidential decree’ that allegedly contradicts constitutional principles. This document outlined 30 measures for governance and called for public accountability against police forces accused of abuses.
Mondlane, who was recognized by the Constitutional Council as the second most voted candidate in the October presidential elections, is a primary figure opposing the election results. The elections led to victory for Daniel Chapo, who has been inaugurated as Mozambique’s fifth president. Reports indicate that protests have resulted in at least 353 deaths, with the government confirming a minimum of 80 fatalities.
In conclusion, Venâncio Mondlane’s legal challenges are emerging against a backdrop of significant political turmoil in Mozambique. His upcoming hearing at the PGR highlights ongoing tensions over the election results and the protests he has led. The legal implications from these demonstrations could impact both his political career and broader electoral discourse within the country. As these cases develop, they underscore the critical junction at which Mozambican democracy currently stands.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
