The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), based in Paris, and the Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD), in Maputo, say that the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) have killed 11 citizens, according to CDD monitors, and committed numerous other human rights violations.

"Mozambique is facing serious human rights violations at the hands of the police in the midst of popular protests," reads a statement released on Monday (28) by the FIDR and the CDD, which accuse the police of having detained "at least 452 people".

In a publication by VOAThe organizations add that "many detainees had no direct involvement in the protests, while others are minors and vulnerable individuals" and that "dozens of injured people, fearing retaliation from the police, are forced to try to be treated at home".

The note also states that the CDD, in collaboration with the Mozambican Bar Association (OAM), has "worked tirelessly to secure the release of detainees, managing to free 85 people to date".

The two non-governmental organizations reiterate that the repression extends beyond the streets, "reaching police stations and prosecutors' offices, where access to justice has been systematically blocked".

Lawyers face "arbitrary and illegal barriers when trying to help detainees, with police commanders denying access to their clients for arbitrary reasons", the note says.

Although it is the responsibility of the Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate complaints, FIDH and CDD state that "human rights organizations report that prosecutors are often absent from police stations, which implies complicity in abuses and reinforces a climate of impunity for neglecting the rights of detainees".

Citing "superior instructions", the note continues, these prosecutors "refrain from monitoring arrests, which hinders the fair application of the law and favors abusive practices".

For example, in the Marracuene District Command, 14 people have been detained since October 24, exceeding the period of legal custody, which is now an "illegal detention", say those organizations, adding that "the local commander totally denied access to lawyers, stating that she was awaiting orders from the Provincial Command, thus violating the fundamental rights to defence and transparency"

"FIDH and CDD demand an immediate end to police violence and the release of all unjustly detained individuals, urge the international community to pressure the Mozambican government to respect fundamental rights and allow peaceful protests without violent interference."

Meanwhile, yesterday, in a remote conversation with Mozambican ambassadors, the President of the Republic criticized the violence and said that 60 police officers had been injured during the protests.

(Photo DR)