Mozambique's security forces killed at least 11 people and injured dozens of others using real bullets and tear gas during post-election protests on October 24 and 25, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement released today, Tuesday (29).

"The authorities must immediately and impartially investigate the apparently excessive use of force," demands the non-governmental organization's director of advocacy for Africa.

Cited by VOAAllan Ngari emphasizes that "the violent repression by Mozambique's security forces against protesters has seriously increased political tensions following the country's elections" and that "the Mozambican authorities must immediately and impartially investigate the alleged misuse of force and hold those responsible to account".

In the same publication, HRW says that the electoral and pre-electoral period was marked by "political assassinations, widespread irregularities and restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and assembly".

In its investigations, the organization reveals that it interviewed 22 people in person and by telephone between 24 and 27 October, including victims and witnesses of the violence, doctors, journalists, government officials and officials from local civil society groups.

"More than 50 people suffered serious gunshot wounds and many, including children as young as one year old, inhaled tear gas that the police fired indiscriminately into residential areas," HRW points out, adding that the police detained more than 400 people who were allegedly involved in public disorder, looting of stores, destruction of public and private property and an attack on a police station.

In the statement, the non-governmental organization gives several examples and ends by pointing out that "the Constitution of Mozambique protects the rights to freedom of assembly and expression and prohibits the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials, guaranteed under intergovernmental laws".

(Photo DR)