Police Use Tear Gas on Mondlane Supporters Amid Legal Proceedings in Mozambique

Mozambican police used tear gas to disperse supporters of Venâncio Mondlane outside the attorney general’s office in Maputo as he faced legal inquiries linked to post-election protests. Mondlane claims the lawsuits against him aim to intimidate, while he has raised concerns regarding unresolved violence against his supporters. The PGR is pursuing civil compensation related to the protests.

On Tuesday, Mozambican authorities employed tear gas to disperse supporters of Venâncio Mondlane outside the attorney general’s office in Maputo. The event coincided with Mondlane’s appearance regarding accusations linked to post-election demonstrations, attracting a significant police presence which restricted access to Avenida Vladimir Lenine, where supporters gathered to express their solidarity.

Arriving at the attorney general’s office by 9 a.m., Mondlane was met with cheers from his supporters. He stated, “I’m calm,” maintaining that the attorney general’s office is biased. By midday, police used riot squads and tear gas to clear the area near the office.

Mondlane is currently entangled in eight legal cases arising from protests and civil unrest following the recent elections. He conveyed low expectations concerning the proceedings, sharing concerns that the legal actions are intended to “intimidate, terrorise and frighten” him. He noted his commitment to respond to the charges and mentioned a life-threatening incident during his campaign.

Additionally, Mondlane has lodged multiple complaints with the attorney general’s office concerning violence against his political party’s members, highlighting 398 instances of violence which included 40 fatalities. He criticized the attorney general’s office for failing to address these complaints adequately.

The hearing, initially scheduled for Monday, was postponed at Mondlane’s request. The Public Prosecutor’s Office is seeking €1.5 million in damages related to protests in Maputo, marking this as the second civil lawsuit against Mondlane. Previous actions had already sought over 32 million meticais in damages following disturbances in the capital.

The PGR has initiated proceedings against Mondlane, claiming that his self-proclaimed “presidential decree” undermines democratic principles, as it included controversial measures attacking the police forces.

In summary, Venâncio Mondlane’s supporters faced police action during his court appearance tied to political protests following the elections in Mozambique. He faces serious allegations among multiple lawsuits aimed at him, which he argues are designed to intimidate him politically. Furthermore, accusations of violence against his organization remain unresolved in the attorney general’s office, revealing deep-seated tensions within Mozambique’s political landscape.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com