Mozambican police claim to use legitimate methods for crowd control during protests, notably tear gas; however, they face accusations from civil rights groups regarding excessive force and human rights violations, including deaths from live ammunition. Despite government officials urging dialogue rather than violence, local police continue aggressive actions against protesters.
The Mozambican police (PRM) assert they only utilize legitimate means to disperse protesters during ongoing mass protests. Leonel Muchina, spokesperson for the Maputo city police, acknowledged the possibility of “unforeseen situations” causing injuries or fatalities during these interventions, but maintains that their crowd control methods are legitimate, often involving tear gas.
Human rights organizations, like the Human Rights Commission of the Mozambican Bar Association (CDH-OAM), have countered these claims, alleging police repression against citizens opposing the electoral results from last October. They accuse the police of serious offenses, including murder and torture, particularly against supporters of former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane.
Since protests began on October 21, data from the “Decide” Electoral Platform indicates that 361 individuals have been killed and 619 injured by gunfire. Contrary to relying solely on non-lethal methods like tear gas, the police have reportedly used live ammunition during protests, resulting in fatalities. The most recent incident involved a young man shot dead in Matola, allegedly by a member of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR).
On an alternate date dubbed “heroes day” by Mondlane, celebrations were disrupted when police deployed tear gas and live ammunition in Casa Branca, leading to the death of a youth who was fleeing. Eyewitness accounts describe the group as non-threatening, merely enjoying music rather than vandalizing anything.
Such aggressive policing raises concerns about government oversight. The Minister of Justice, Mateus Saize, has publicly criticized the police’s use of live ammunition, reaffirming that non-lethal options should be the standard. Additionally, police chief Joaquim Sive recently emphasized the need for dialogue over force in crowd control, encouraging a collaborative approach with civilians.
Despite these directives, the Maputo city police appear to disregard the guidance from higher authorities, continuing to engage aggressively against demonstrators.
The Mozambican police claim they exercise only legitimate crowd control methods, primarily tear gas, despite allegations of excessive force and human rights abuses during protests. Civil rights groups report significant casualties, highlighting the use of live ammunition against demonstrators. Government officials have condemned these tactics, advocating for dialogue instead of violence. Nonetheless, the local police’s actions suggest a troubling detachment from these directives, raising concerns about accountability and public safety.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
