Mozambique’s Justice Minister Mateus Saize criticized the police’s use of live ammunition against protesters, following the death of over 300 demonstrators since October. The initial peaceful protests escalated into riots primarily due to cost of living issues. Saize urged adherence to non-lethal methods for crowd control, challenging the current practices of the Rapid Intervention Unit.
Mozambican Justice Minister Mateus Saize recently asserted that the use of live ammunition by police to manage protests is unacceptable. His statements came in light of troubling reports indicating that over 300 individuals have died in demonstrations sparked by accusations of electoral fraud following the October 9 elections, organized by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane.
Initially, the protests were peaceful but escalated into riots and looting, with current grievances shifting towards the rising cost of living. The “Decide” Electoral Platform reports that since the elections, at least 303 fatalities and 619 injuries from gunfire have occurred, along with the detention of over 4,000 protesters.
During a recent ceremony celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Bishop Emeritus of Pemba, Mgr. Januário Nhangumbe, Saize emphasized that the government recommends the use of rubber bullets and tear gas rather than live rounds in response to disorder. He criticized the established practice, especially by the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR), of relying on real bullets during protests.
Justice Minister Mateus Saize condemned the use of live ammunition against protesters in Mozambique, stating it is not standard practice. The ongoing protests, sparked by allegations of electoral fraud, have resulted in significant fatalities and injuries. Saize’s comments suggest a call for more humane crowd control methods, advocating for non-lethal measures such as rubber bullets and tear gas instead of live rounds.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
