Mozambique: Terrorism in Cabo Delgado – “peculiarities” dictate closure of 68 cases

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Mozambique: Terrorism in Cabo Delgado – “peculiarities” dictate closure of 68 cases

2:23 CAT | 24 Apr 2024

File photo: O Pais

The Attorney General of the Republic has just announced that last year, 74 cases related to terrorism were recorded. Of these, 27 involved defendants in pretrial detention, 16 defendants at liberty, and 31 against unknown individuals.

In the same period, 86 cases were disposed of, with indictment orders issued in 18 and 68 cases closed, while 137 are in preparatory investigation. In the previous period, we registered 169 cases, showing a decrease of 92, corresponding to 56.2%.

According to Beatriz Buchili, many of the closed cases involve unknown individuals, a situation resulting from the “peculiarities of the type of terrorism occurring in our country, as often the events take place in conflict zones, making it difficult not only to collect evidence but also to identify the perpetrators.”

“In light of this scenario, we have been strengthening coordination with SERNIC and the Defense and Security Forces, as well as conducting training activities for staff on analysis, collection, and processing of evidence, victim protection, and legal procedures related to the treatment of suspects, considering the nature of the offenses involved,” said Buchili.

According to the prosecutor, there are weaknesses in some sectors of the State that facilitate the entry and stay in the country of individuals suspected of involvement in organized crime.

“In fact, weaknesses have been observed in the process of issuing identification cards to asylum seekers in some cases under investigation, a factor that greatly influences the effective control and mapping of refugees registered with the National Institute for Refugee Support, necessitating reflection on mechanisms for controlling this group of citizens.”

Furthermore, it is noted that some refugees leave the center and settle in other parts of the country without notifying the authorities, with the possibility of joining criminal groups to engage in criminal acts such as drug trafficking, terrorism, and its financing.

Source: O Pais