Amnesty International has condemned the actions of Mozambican police who fired on supporters of opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane during a political rally in Nampula city. This incident occurred amidst allegations of electoral discrepancies following disputed national elections. The police actions have raised significant concerns regarding human rights violations, highlighting the need for respect for peaceful assembly in Mozambique.
Following reports of police violence against supporters of opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane during a rally in Nampula city, Amnesty International has condemned the actions of the police. According to Khanyo Farise, the Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, these actions represent a severe infringement on the right to peaceful assembly guaranteed under both Mozambican law and international human rights statutes. On October 16, police fired shots at Mondlane’s supporters, wounding at least one individual, and also arrested prominent musician David Calisto Bandeira, who was charged with inciting violence due to his songs in support of the PODEMOS party. Mondlane’s supporters have been actively protesting since October 12, when early election results indicated a lead for the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo. Additionally, incidents of police violence were reported at polling stations shortly after the elections, highlighting the tense climate surrounding the electoral process. Mondlane has called for a nationwide strike on October 21 in response to allegations of electoral irregularities, emphasizing the need for respect for civil rights during this contentious period.
The background of the situation in Mozambique revolves around the recent national elections that have led to significant unrest, particularly among opposition supporters. On October 16, reports surfaced of police actions against supporters of Venâncio Mondlane during a rally meant to welcome him in Nampula, a city known for its opposition strength. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence that has accompanied the electoral process in which the ruling Frelimo party has been accused of unfair practices. The protests by Mondlane’s supporters began following the announcement of partial results on October 12, indicating a lead for the Frelimo candidate, thus raising tensions within the political landscape. The environment has been further exacerbated by previous police actions that resulted in injuries to individuals at polling stations around the country. Amid these challenges, Mondlane is now encouraging a strike to address grievances regarding the election conduct.
In summary, the recent events following the elections in Mozambique, particularly the police violence against peaceful opposition rallies, represent a serious breach of human rights. Amnesty International’s condemnation highlights the necessity for police to honor the rights of individuals to assemble peacefully, irrespective of political affiliations. The outcry against police brutality and allegations of electoral impropriety underscore the volatile political atmosphere in Mozambique, with opposition leaders advocating for respect for democratic processes and civil rights during a critical time.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
