Misa Mozambique, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that defends press freedom, has condemned the shooting of a reporter from SPM TV, a local station that broadcasts in digital format, by agents from the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR).).

The case took place on December 14, when the police fired on people attending the funeral of blogger Albino José Sibia, known as Mano Shottas, in Ressano Garcia, Maputo province.

In a statement released yesterday, Misa said that the use of lethal force by the police against citizens, including reporters, "is absolutely unacceptable, regardless of the reasons given by the police". The organization also points out that the freedoms of the press and of expression are essential for the survival of democracy and must not be limited by violence or intimidation.

"MISA Mozambique vehemently repudiates this vile and completely disproportionate attack on a reporter and other completely unarmed demonstrators. The events in Ressano Garcia, which should shame any human being, including the protagonists, are not only a violation of the freedoms of the press and of expression. It also represents a serious attack on human rights, including the most sacred human right, the right to life," reads the document.

For this press freedom NGO, events like Ressano's not only put the lives of professionals and citizens at risk, "but also undermine the pillars of democracy, creating a climate of fear and silencing that affects society as a whole". For this reason, MISA once again urges the authorities to investigate this case swiftly and transparently, holding the agents involved to account. Likewise, the government must adopt concrete measures to protect journalists and ensure that similar episodes are not repeated.

The 29-year-old SPM TV reporter was with his colleagues broadcasting Mano Shotas' funeral ceremony live, when UIR agents started shooting at the blogger's funeral procession. According to Wilken Alberto, one of the journalists accompanying Strip Pedrito, it all started when the police fired on the people. At that point, everyone started running for cover to protect themselves from the bullets. That's how the reporter entered a house accompanied by other young people. Taking refuge in the kitchen, Pedrito ended up being shot in the arm by the officers, who fired from inside the house.

Without help from the UIR, Strip Pedrito's colleagues tried to help him and take him to hospital. To do so, they requested an ambulance from the hospital. However, according to Wilken Alberto, the hospital informed him that all access routes had been blocked by UIR agents, preventing even ambulances from circulating. Still looking for help, the source says, the reporters approached the police with their hands raised in a sign of peace, with the intention of asking for their colleague to be taken to hospital in the police vehicle. However, he adds, the officers returned fire, fatally shooting a young man identified as Puko, who was accompanying the reporters.

Fearing further repression, they were forced to seek help across the border, in this case in neighboring South Africa. In South Africa, the victim, who was already in a weakened state due to blood loss, was taken to a hospital in Komatipoort, where he received treatment.

(Photo DR)