The Mozambican Network of Human Rights Defenders (RMDDH) has condemned the alleged harassment of members of Podemos (Optimist Party for the Development of Mozambique), as well as some polling station staff (MMVs) who took part in last Wednesday's presidential, parliamentary and provincial elections.

Podemos is the main party supporting independent presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane.

According to a statement from the RMDDH, the Mozambican police (PRM) have been harassing members of Podemos in the district of Larde, in the northern province of Nampula, for political reasons. Some MMVs are also being harassed for refusing to take bribes to favor the ruling Frelimo party during the vote.

"On October 10, the police issued summonses to 15 members of Podemos and two MMVs for allegedly committing the crimes of home invasion, physical assault and destruction of documents. They claimed that these individuals had been denounced by Frelimo members. On October 14, three of the accused were arrested," says the note.

The RMDDH claims that the police have never provided evidence of the arrest of these individuals, although they claim to have a video showing how the crimes were committed.

"The police commander only said he had the video without showing it. Of course, the lack of evidence raises serious suspicions about the integrity of the accusation," says the note.

According to the document, the detention of Podemos members without any evidence is a flagrant violation of the law.

The RMDDH has asked the Attorney General's Office (PGR) to carry out an investigation to clarify the case, bringing details of the police accusation "including the video they claim to possess". (Text AIM).