Mozambican police used tear gas to disperse supporters of Venâncio Mondlane outside the attorney general’s office as he faced hearings connected to post-election protests. Mondlane characterized the PGR as biased and highlighted ongoing legal challenges he faces, citing intimidation attempts. He criticized the lack of action on violent incidents against his political organization, which he claims reflects institutional injustice.
On Tuesday, Mozambican police employed tear gas near the attorney general’s office in Maputo to disperse supporters of Venâncio Mondlane, a former presidential candidate, as he faced hearings regarding post-election protests. A substantial police presence impeded traffic on Avenida Vladimir Lenine, where Mondlane’s supporters gathered in vocal support. The police intervened around 12:20 p.m. local time, directing the crowd away from the vicinity of the PGR.
Arriving at the attorney general’s office around 9 a.m., Mondlane acknowledged the enthusiastic shouts of support from his followers. He characterized the PGR as “biased and partisan” in remarks made to the media before entering the building. Prior to the event, police from the Rapid Intervention Unit, including canine units, warned supporters outside the office to vacate the area.
The hearing pertains to one of eight legal cases Mondlane is involved in, linked to protests and resulting social unrest in Mozambique. After returning from Botswana, Mondlane expressed low expectations regarding the hearings, affirming his awareness of being implicated in multiple lawsuits, meant ostensibly to “intimidate, terrorize and frighten” him.
Moreover, Mondlane highlighted his own grievances, noting several complaints he had submitted to the PGR, including an alleged assassination attempt during his presidential campaign and a report concerning numerous violent incidents against his political organization, including fatalities. He criticized the partiality of the PGR due to a lack of action on these complaints.
The scheduled hearing was postponed at Mondlane’s request, initially set for Monday. On 22 November, the Public Prosecutor’s Office sought €1.5 million in damages from Mondlane due to civil unrest. This lawsuit follows a prior demand for compensation concerning damages incurred in Maputo, amounting to approximately 32,377,276.46 meticais (around €486,000). The PGR had previously launched proceedings against Mondlane, considering his self-declared “presidential decree” a violation of constitutional principles, citing accusations against police forces regarding extrajudicial killings.
In summary, the incident involving tear gas utilization by police against Venâncio Mondlane’s supporters underscores the escalating tensions surrounding his legal battles linked to post-election protests in Mozambique. Mondlane’s accusations regarding the partiality of the PGR highlight ongoing concerns about political justice and police actions. As legal proceedings unfold, the implications for political opposition in Mozambique remain significant.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
