Misa Moçambique, an NGO that defends press freedom, condemns the attacks on journalists by the police during the vote counting process throughout the country.

"Misa-Mozambique condemns, in the strongest terms, these flagrant acts of aggression and intimidation against journalists, in full exercise of their duties, which constitute real attacks on press freedom," the organization said in a statement that reached our newsroom.

Misa recalls that free access to and residence in public places, access to public events and access to information are legally and constitutionally protected rights.

"In addition to being an attack on press freedom, these acts are a gross violation of the Constitution of the Republic, specifically Article 48, and of Law 18/91 of August 10 (the Press Law)," reads the Misa statement.

Furthermore, Misa explains that elections, including voting and counting, are public events par excellence and therefore worthy of news coverage.

While condemning aggression and intimidation against journalists, Misa-Mozambique repudiates the indifference and almost complicity shown by police officers who, even though it was their duty to ensure the protection of citizens, stood by and watched attacks on media professionals in the course of their duties.

"As Mozambicans and as a state that wants to be serious, we can't afford to attack journalists, to take away their work material, to condition their work (for example, by not taking images), or to stand by and watch them being attacked. We may not even agree with the work of journalists, but, as in any civilized society, respecting freedom of the press, which is fundamental to the survival of democracies, is the least we can do," says the organization.

Misa ends by demanding accountability from those involved in these acts, both disciplinary and criminal.

Because Wednesday's events constitute a serious attack on press freedom, MISA Mozambique "reserves the right to demand accountability for its actions.