Mozambican police deployed tear gas to disperse supporters of Venâncio Mondlane outside the attorney general’s office in Maputo. Mondlane faced questioning related to post-election protests amid claims of intimidation. His legal complaints against violence aimed at his party remain unresolved, illustrating ongoing political unrest in Mozambique.
On a recent Tuesday in Maputo, Mozambique, local police employed tear gas to disperse supporters of Venâncio Mondlane near the attorney general’s office. A significant police presence was noted since early morning on Avenida Vladimir Lenine, obstructing both vehicle and pedestrian access as Mondlane’s supporters gathered to express their allegiance.
The situation escalated around noon when police utilized tear gas to clear the vicinity of the attorney general’s headquarters, which is situated centrally in Maputo. Mondlane arrived at approximately 9:00 a.m., and the atmosphere was charged with supportive chants from his followers.
Speaking to reporters outside, Mondlane expressed tranquility but criticized the attorney general’s office as “biased and partisan” before entering the building for questioning. Earlier that morning, a strong contingent of the police’s Rapid Intervention Unit, including canine units, was stationed to manage the crowd and instruct supporters to vacate the area.
Venâncio Mondlane appeared at the attorney general’s office to address one of eight lawsuits filed against him related to protests and civil unrest post-elections. He expressed limited optimism about the proceedings, remarking on his awareness of being implicated in multiple cases that he believes aim to intimidate him.
Mondlane recounted several legal complaints he had lodged with the attorney general’s office, including an attempt on his life during the campaign for the October 9 general elections. He noted filing grievances about extreme violence against his political associates, including fatalities, asserting that the attorney general’s office had not taken adequate action on these reports.
Originally scheduled for Monday, Mondlane’s hearing was postponed at his request. In a separate development, the Public Prosecutor’s Office recently sought €1.5 million in compensation for damages stemming from post-election demonstrative actions, marking the second civil lawsuit against Mondlane. Additionally, the prosecutor’s office is pursuing significant compensation for damages solely related to incidents in Maputo.
The attorney general’s office began legal actions against Mondlane concerning a so-called “presidential decree” issued previously, which allegedly undermined democratic principles by advocating for citizens to act as a judicial entity against police violence. The PGR views these proclamations as a “flagrant violation” of constitutional mandates.
The events surrounding Venâncio Mondlane at the attorney general’s office highlight ongoing tensions in Mozambique following the recent elections. The use of tear gas against his supporters raises concerns about the state’s handling of dissent. Mondlane’s critical stance against the government and the legal actions he faces indicate a fraught political atmosphere, suggesting systemic issues regarding justice and political expression within the country.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
