Mozambique Municipal Elections: Civil society sues police for human rights violations – AIM

Must read

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Club of Mozambique
Published on 2024-03-05 17:18:13

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), a prominent Mozambican NGO, has taken legal action against the Mozambican police force (PRM) in the northern province of Nampula. The lawsuit alleges violations of human rights during the municipal elections that took place on October 11 last year.

According to the CDD, the PRM is accused of committing a total of 17 crimes, including four homicides (all through shooting) and 13 offenses involving aggravated bodily harm. The victims named in the statement include Faizal João, Edrisse Alifo Ussene, Sabonete Saíde, and Atibo Juma, all of whom lost their lives at the hands of the police.

Additionally, the CDD has identified at least 13 individuals who were assaulted by the PRM during the elections in Nampula province. The organization claims to have gathered substantial evidence to support the existence of these victims and their mistreatment by the police.

In a statement, the CDD emphasized the importance of holding the responsible police officers accountable for their actions. The organization believes that the Attorney-General’s Office (PGR) should carry out investigations to uncover any additional offenses beyond those listed in the complaint.

The complaint submitted to the Nampula Provincial Attorney’s Office aims to compel the state, through the justice system, to prosecute all police agents involved in the reported crimes. The CDD hopes that by cooperating with the PGR, justice can be served and those who misuse their authority to oppress the Mozambican people, especially during election periods, can be brought to justice.

The organization is confident that thorough investigations by the Public Prosecutor’s Office could potentially reveal not only the direct perpetrators of the crimes but also those giving “higher orders” behind the scenes. By collaborating with the PGR, the CDD hopes to ensure that those responsible for using state resources to oppress civilians face legal consequences.

The CDD’s initiative to file a lawsuit against the PRM highlights their commitment to promoting human rights and justice in Mozambique. It sends a powerful message that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law and that actions violating the rights of citizens will not go unpunished.

In conclusion, the CDD’s legal action against the PRM serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding human rights and holding accountable those who abuse their power. By seeking justice for the victims of police violence, the organization is advocating for a more just and equitable society in Mozambique.

Read the original article on clubofmozambique.com

More articles

Latest article