Amnesty International Calls for Protection of Peaceful Assembly Rights in Mozambique Amid Election Violence

Amnesty International has criticized the Mozambican police for violently intervening at a peaceful rally for opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane, resulting in injuries and arrests. The organization pleaded for respect for the right to peaceful assembly as protests grow amidst disputed election results favoring the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate.

Amnesty International has urged the Mozambican authorities to uphold the right to peaceful assembly following alarming reports of police violence aimed at opposition supporters during recent electoral unrest. On 16 October, during a rally in Nampula city, police opened fire on supporters of opposition presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, resulting in injuries and subsequent detentions of attendees, including the arrest of a musician known for his pro-PODEMOS songs. The organization condemned these actions as stark violations of both Mozambican and international human rights laws, reinforcing that the police have a duty to protect citizens during peaceful demonstrations, regardless of their political affiliations. The unrest follows disputed results from the national elections, with widespread protests against the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, who leads in the vote count. Mondlane has called for a nationwide strike on 21 October in response to allegations of electoral misconduct.

The situation in Mozambique has escalated following the recently contested national elections. On 12 October, supporters of opposition party PODEMOS began demonstrating after it became evident that the ruling party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, was leading in the counting of votes. Tensions heightened on 16 October when police shot at a gathering meant to welcome Mondlane to Nampula, a city known for its political opposition strength. This incident was not isolated; just a day after the elections, police violence was reported at polling stations, indicating a troubling pattern of aggressive law enforcement against peaceful political activities.

The incidents occurring in Mozambique highlight a significant concern regarding the respect for human rights and the right to peaceful assembly during politically sensitive times. Amnesty International has called on the authorities to refrain from using violence against peaceful protestors and to safeguard the rights of all political supporters. As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for law enforcement to act within the bounds of both national and international law, ensuring that all citizens’ rights are respected amid ongoing electoral disputes.

Original Source: www.amnesty.org