MISA Mozambique today denounced and demanded an "urgent and independent" investigation into the assault by police officers from the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) on journalist Nuno Gemusse Alberto, from Rádio Comunitária Monte Gilé, in the district of Gilé, in Zambézia province.

The journalist was allegedly attacked as he was leaving the newsroom and heading for his home. Halfway there, he was questioned, detained and beaten.

"At that moment, the journalist was recording this event using his cell phone, and although he was far away from the demonstrators, Gemusse Alberto was dragged into the police vehicle ('Mahindra') and taken to the district command, where he was brutally assaulted with physical and psychological force," we read.

The case occurred when the police carried out a campaign to dissuade demonstrators in the streets of Gilé from protesting against the election results.

The police officers, duly identified, forced him to carry demonstration props such as placards and masks "in a clear attempt to manipulate and embarrass him".

For MISA Mozambique, the case represents a clear violation of the "fundamental rights of freedom of the press and information".