Mozambican judges advocate independence and financial autonomy, so that parliament does not determine the budget for the functioning of justice institutions.

"We are saying that there are three organs of power, namely the Assembly of the Republic, the Government and the Courts. These three powers that make up the state have to function separately and interdependently. If the Assembly of the Republic approves the rules, it is up to the government to execute them and the judiciary to monitor compliance. But it is the Assembly of the Republic that approves the budget for the three powers, which makes no sense at all because it is up to the government itself to establish how much the judiciary should have for its operation," said one of the magistrates speaking at the Mozambican Judge's Day celebrations.

On the other hand, the judges say they are victims of threats and harassment while carrying out their activities and complying with the law, and are asking for protection.

"Judges have no security throughout the country. Their property is raped and stolen, and they are threatened. We recently had a case in Zambezia where a coffin was even taken to court. A colleague in Cuamba (Niassa) was robbed at home. So we are victims every day," said another judge, stressing that many of these cases are not known to the press.

The statements were made on Wednesday, in Maputo, during the celebration of the date, and a tribute to judge Dinis Silica, murdered ten years ago (08.05.2014), in broad daylight, between the avenues of Malhangalene and Marien Ngoabi.

"It's a difficult situation to understand. Why has the murder of a judge still not been cleared up? This case is not being clarified and we don't know why," he asked.