Amnesty International has condemned the Mozambican police for using live ammunition against opposition supporters at a political rally in Nampula city, demanding respect for the right to peaceful assembly. The incident occurred amid protests following the recent national elections, which raised allegations of irregularities. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane is calling for a strike to address these issues.
Following reports of police violence against supporters of opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane, Amnesty International has condemned the actions taken by law enforcement during a political rally in Mozambique’s Nampula city. The organization described the police’s use of live ammunition as both unlawful and an egregious breach of Mozambican and international human rights standards. Particularly, the incident occurred on October 16, when Mondlane’s supporters gathered to welcome him, leading to at least one reported injury and the arrest of prominent musician David Calisto Bandeira on charges of inciting violence through pro-PODEMOS songs. The protests intensified after preliminary election results favored the ruling Frelimo party, prompting Mondlane to call for a nationwide strike on October 21 to address allegations of electoral irregularities. Amnesty International urged the Mozambican authorities to uphold the right to peaceful assembly, regardless of political affiliations, emphasizing the necessity of police protection for all individuals participating in political expression.
The situation in Mozambique has been tense following national elections held on October 9, 2023, where the Frelimo party emerged as the leading contender. The opposition, particularly the PODEMOS party, has raised concerns regarding election transparency amidst reports of violence and suppression of dissent. The protests initiated by Mondlane’s supporters highlight the ongoing strife over electoral integrity and the right to free assembly in the country. The police’s violent response to peaceful rallies marks a concerning trend which raises alarms regarding the state of human rights in Mozambique.
The recent crackdown on peaceful political demonstrations in Mozambique underscores the critical need for the protection of human rights and the fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression. The events surrounding Venâncio Mondlane’s rally are indicative of larger systemic issues within law enforcement and the political landscape. The call for a nationwide strike and further protests reflects the citizens’ dissatisfaction with the electoral process and demands for reform, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding democratic practices in Mozambique.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
