The Human Rights Commission of the Mozambican Bar Association (CDH-OAM) issued a statement strongly condemning the actions of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), together with the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) and the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR), for behaviour considered ‘disproportionate, inhumane and shameful’ following the recent post-election protests, according to the newspaper O País.
According to the OAM report, several complaints of abuse of power were received, including the excessive use of physical force, firearms and batons against civilians.
The communiqué details particular incidents, such as the assault and appropriation of an unprotected woman’s property by a UIR agent during President Daniel Chapo’s inauguration ceremony and acts of violence against individuals accused of posting content critical of the government on the Facebook page Unay Cambuma.
‘The PRM has been committing offences in its actions in repelling demonstrations, as well as in curtailing the exercise of freedom of expression,’ reads the document, which adds that such acts are a ’bad example of disproportionate, unnecessary and unjustified violence, excessive and shameful.’
The current situation remains worrying, even after recent changes in the leadership of the PRM and the Ministry of the Interior, with the CDH-OAM expressing deep concern about the scenario of police violence that persists, calling for compliance with human rights protection standards and the restoration of credibility in Mozambican justice institutions.
