Mozambique: Four police, 10 civilians face charges after 18 March protest crackdown

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Mozambique: Four police, 10 civilians face charges after 18 March protest crackdown

7:17 CAT | 20 Apr 2023

Screen grab: Assembleia da República

In Mozambique, four police officers and 10 civilians face criminal charges following a police crackdown on demonstrations held on 18 March in honour of the late rapper Azagaia, the country’s attorney general, Beatriz Buchili, said today in parliament.

The Attorney General of the Republic of Mozambique, Beatriz Buchili, said in parliament this Thursday (20-04) that the right to demonstrate is constitutionally enshrined as a fundamental right of citizens and should not be limited or conditioned.

The occurrences on March 18, according to the head of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, point to a violation of the law, and criminal proceedings have been initiated, “with a view to clarifying the facts and holding those involved accountable, especially in the provinces of Nampula, Manica and Maputo, and Maputo city, where a total of 14 cases were registered, of which four [are] against members of the PRM [Police of the Republic of Mozambique] and ten against citizens participating in the demonstrations,” Buchili said.

Beatriz Buchili was replying to deputies’ concerns about the response of the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) to police violence at demonstrations on March 18 commemorating rapper Azagaia, who died on March 9. Several citizens were injured.

Constitutionally enshrined right

“Any action tending to curtail this exercise is contrary to the Constitution and the law, thus entailing disciplinary, criminal and civil responsibilities as the case may be,” Beatriz Buchili declared on the second day of the presentation in parliament of the annual report on PGR activity.

READ: Nyusi demands investigation to understand police violence against demonstrators

The prosecutor recalled however that the exercise of this right must respect the law, especially regarding giving prior notice to the authorities.

“The observance of these assumptions in demonstrations is essential to guarantee public order and security, as well as respect for the fundamental rights of other citizens, including those not participating in the demonstration,” she underlined.

READ: Police use tear gas against Azagaia tribute

Samora’s son condemns police violence

Source: Deutsche Welle