Venâncio Mondlane, Mozambique’s second-placed candidate in the presidential elections, accused the attorney general’s office of bias and failing to address his complaints regarding election-related violence. He faces multiple lawsuits he believes are intended to intimidate him. Meanwhile, civil lawsuits against him are emerging due to protests against the official election results, with significant compensation claims made by the Public Prosecution Service.
Venâncio Mondlane, the runner-up in last October’s presidential elections in Mozambique, has publicly accused the attorney general’s office of partiality. He claims that while he faces multiple lawsuits, his own complaints about election-related violence lack attention. Upon returning from Botswana, Mondlane stated his low expectations regarding a summons from the attorney general’s office to provide evidence regarding these cases, acknowledging he is aware of eight lawsuits against him.
He expressed concern that these lawsuits were intended to “intimidate, terrorise and frighten” him, highlighting unaddressed complaints he filed against the alleged attempts on his life during the election campaign. Notably, Mondlane mentioned a report involving 398 extreme violence cases against members of his political group, which resulted in numerous fatalities, yet he observed no progress in these investigations.
The hearing scheduled for Tuesday, reportedly part of a criminal case from last year, was postponed per Mondlane’s request. His recent absence from Mozambique, attributed to business meetings, led him to deny any intention to evade legal issues, stating, “There was no reason to flee” the country as he remains committed to defending the people.
The Public Prosecution Service has demanded significant compensation from Mondlane related to a separate civil case regarding damages resulting from protests against the election results. In total, they seek €1.5 million for damages from protests and previously sought €486,000 for associated claims from incidents in the capital.
Furthermore, the attorney general’s office is pursuing legal action against Mondlane for a document he issued termed a “presidential decree,” which included measures he proposed should he hold office. This document reportedly violates constitutional laws, prompting the attorney general’s assertion that such decree declarations are the state’s prerogative.
Since the elections, which were won by Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo, Mondlane’s challenges underscore significant political unrest, with statistics reflecting at least 353 fatalities during police clashes with demonstrators—figures supported by the non-governmental organization Plataforma Eleitoral Decide and acknowledged by the government, which confirmed 80 deaths.
Venâncio Mondlane has positioned himself at the forefront of political resistance following the controversial presidential elections in Mozambique. His accusations against the attorney general’s office reflect broader concerns about political bias and legal intimidation. As he faces multiple lawsuits, Mondlane’s commitment to advocating for electoral transparency and addressing violence against his supporters remains resolute, amidst increasing tensions in the country.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
