Angola: Magistrates of the Public Prosecutor’s Office halt services

Prosecutors from the Public Ministry demand better salaries and working conditions. They also criticize the removal of perks such as diplomatic passports. It is a national strike, which will last until March 8th.

Prosecutors from the Public Ministry say that their professional dignity is being compromised and they ask the competent authorities for urgent measures.

The president of the Union of Prosecutors from the Public Ministry (SNMMP), Adelino Fançony André, emphasizes that, despite the strike, inspections of cells and detention places, the referral of defendants in need of medical intervention, and acting in cases involving minors accused of crimes are guaranteed.

“This first phase will consist of the cessation of all functions of prosecutors from the Public Ministry, except for regarding the rights, freedoms, and guarantees of defendants, and defendants in vulnerable situations,” stated Fançony André.

The SNMMP revealed that a large number of prosecutors joined the strike. A source from the Association of Judges of Angola confirmed to the news agency Lusa that some hearings were being rescheduled. The association expressed solidarity with the strike of prosecutors from the Public Ministry.

Prosecutor Adelino Fançony André mentioned that if there are no advances in negotiations with the authorities, the strike will become total. “There is a possibility of completely halting the exercise of functions, but there is also the possibility of organizing protests, all with the sole aim of reclaiming the dignity of prosecutors that has been compromised every day.”

The Attorney General of Angola, Hélder Pitta Grós, considers the strike illegal. “I do not yet have information on how services are running at the Attorney General’s Office, but the fact is that prosecutors cannot strike.

Prosecutors are not above the law. If they commit infractions, we will have to act,” he explained. The concerns presented by the union affect not only the Public Ministry but also all branches of justice, Pitta Grós added: “The situation that prosecutors from the Public Ministry are experiencing is the same as that of judicial magistrates.”