The Human Rights Commission announced yesterday at a press conference that the Minister of the Interior, Pascoal Ronda, and the Commander General of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), Bernardino Rafael, as well as the Mozambican state itself, could face charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"If these individuals are found by the International Criminal Court to have ordered crimes that fall within the ICC's mandate, they could be held responsible as individuals. There is also the International Court of Justice that judges states, which could determine state responsibilities, depending on the acceptance of the case," said Albachir Macassar, the Commission's representative during the press conference.

The statement comes in the context of demonstrations that have been taking place for two months in Mozambique, resulting in more than 100 deaths. Most of the victims were allegedly shot by the Republic of Mozambique Police (PRM).

The Commission also reported that it is investigating the specific case of young people shot dead in Ressano Garcia and commented that some people are already being held accountable in international courts for incidents related to the demonstrations.

In addition, the Commission reiterated that there are criteria established by the United Nations (UN) for condemning individuals and states involved in serious human rights violations. (Source: TV Sucesso)