MISA Mozambique has taken note of the decision of the Nampula Judicial Court that sentenced the former head of operations of the Municipal Police, Adelino Fernando, to two months in prison converted into a fine, and cleared the former commander of the corporation, Oliveira Maneque, in the case of the assault on journalist Faizal Abudo, which took place in June 2021.

The case occurred when TV Muniga journalist Faizal Abudo, along with other reporters, was covering a seizure of goods and the arrest of street vendors and was assaulted by the aforementioned municipal police officers.

MISA Mozambique considers that this decision does not reflect the seriousness of what happened and does not contribute to the protection of journalists in the exercise of their profession.

The conversion of the sentence into a fine and the symbolic compensation of five thousand meticais reflects the atmosphere of impunity that can and is not enough to discourage attacks on media professionals.

The case of Faizal Abudo represents yet another worrying episode in the violation of press freedom in Mozambique. During the trial, the court disregarded crucial evidence that could have resulted in a fairer sentence and more proportionate to the damage caused.

MISA Mozambique believes that, beyond the criminal dimension, this case should serve to educate society about the importance of respecting journalists' freedoms.

Faced with this decision, MISA Mozambique will provide legal support to the journalist so that he can appeal against the court's decision in order to guarantee a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the action against the reporter.

Furthermore, MISA reiterates its call for the competent authorities to take concrete measures to guarantee the protection of media professionals and the effective accountability of the perpetrators of violence against journalists. (Press Release).