The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) says that Mozambique has called its image into question by using force to prevent the march in honor of rapper and musician Azagaia. The institution warns that the country could suffer moral repudiation and cease to be an example in the observance of human rights.

Using tear gas and dogs, the police of the Republic of Mozambique prevented the march in honor of the rapper Azagaia. Nineteen people were injured and there were arrests following the police intervention, despite the fact that Maputo City Council had approved the march.

Reacting to the situation on Monday, the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), an institution subordinate to the Mozambican state, considers the authorities' actions to be a violation of fundamental rights.

"The Defense and Security Forces acted with excessive force, their role at that moment was only to protect the movement of people to avoid excesses on the part of the demonstrators and not to use heavy weapons against defenseless citizens."

In an exclusive interview with the newspaper O País, Luís Bitone, president of the CNDH, said that Mozambique could face consequences in its international relations due to this behavior by the police.

"Firstly, the consequences will be a moral condemnation, in other words, there will be censure from other states against our country. The second aspect is that we had already evolved a lot as a country that sets an example when it comes to observing human rights, we were a benchmark, but now it means that our reputation will be tarnished," warned Luís Bitone, president of the National Human Rights Commission.

The National Human Rights Commission says there was still political exploitation in the situation, which, in its view, damaged the overall assessment of the demonstration.

The official said that this Tuesday he will submit a letter requesting clarification and an investigation to the Ministry of the Interior and the Attorney General's Office. (O País)