Venâncio Mondlane, the second-place candidate in Mozambique’s recent presidential elections, accuses the attorney general’s office of bias against him. He faces multiple lawsuits while alleging that his own complaints have not been addressed. Mondlane disrupts the political landscape by challenging the election results amid a climate of civil unrest and fatalities from protests.
In Mozambique, Venâncio Mondlane, the second-place presidential candidate from the October elections, has accused the attorney general’s office of exhibiting bias. He expressed concern that the office acted swiftly against him while disregarding his own accusations made over recent months. Mondlane stated, “My expectations are not that high,” and mentioned he is facing eight lawsuits.
Mondlane contended that the lawsuits were intended to “intimidate, terrorize and frighten” him. He recalled that he had submitted various complaints, including one regarding an alleged assassination attempt during his campaign, but noted there had been no developments. He criticized the attorney general’s office for showing “partiality” in its actions against him, adding, “I’m not worried: I don’t even need to do much preparation.”
His scheduled hearing at the Public Prosecution Service was initially set for Monday but was postponed to Tuesday at his request. This hearing forms part of a “criminal case filed last year” related to demonstrations he had organized against the official election results. Mondlane remarked that there was no basis for his absence from Mozambique, claiming he was engaged in meetings while away.
The Public Prosecution Service has sought €1.5 million in compensation for damages linked to the protests in Maputo. This marks the second civil lawsuit against Mondlane connected to the unrest, with previous demands for over €486,000 filed concerning damages in the capital.
Furthermore, in January, the attorney general’s office announced proceedings against Mondlane, citing a document he had issued as a “presidential decree” which purportedly undermined democratic principles. The decree suggested that victims could take judicial measures against police units accused of violence. The prosecutor stated that Mondlane’s publication was a “flagrant violation” of constitutional protocol.
With his challenge to the election results gaining traction, Mondlane now leads the most significant opposition to the official presidential outcomes in Mozambique since 1994. Official results declared victory for Daniel Chapo, who has been inaugurated as the country’s fifth president. Notably, reports indicate at least 353 individuals have died due to unrest linked to the protests, with government confirmations of 80 fatalities.
In summary, Venâncio Mondlane has raised serious concerns regarding the perceived bias of Mozambique’s attorney general’s office against him, particularly as he faces multiple lawsuits while his complaints remain unaddressed. Despite these challenges, he maintains his commitment to contest the official election results and defend his political stance, all amidst a backdrop of significant civil unrest and casualties.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
