Two journalists from Rádio e Televisão Encontro, César Rafael and Valdemiro Amisse, were attacked by the police on Wednesday, November 13, while covering news in the city of Nampula.

The incident occurred as part of the post-election demonstrations taking place all over the country in the region.

A statement from MISA Mozambique reports that the reporters went to the Namicopo neighborhood to report on a case of alleged murders committed by the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) against citizens who, according to local information, were not involved in the demonstrations, but were killed in their homes.

On their way back to the newsroom, the journalists found a mob beating a young civilian, suspected of being a police officer.

The young man managed to escape, and the reporters decided to record images of the handcuffs and interview those present.

Shortly afterwards, two plain-clothes men appeared on the scene and demanded that the journalists delete the images they had captured.

The reporters refused, at which point a Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) vehicle arrived on the scene. The officers fired shots into the air, causing panic among the residents and dispersing the population, including the journalists.

During the escape, Valdemiro Amisse removed the camera's memory card and hid it in his pocket. After the commotion, the reporters were again approached by the same individuals, who insisted on deleting the images.

When they refused again, the journalists were beaten with sticks in an attempt to damage the camera. The situation only calmed down when the reporters, with the help of the public, convinced the attackers that the images had already been deleted. They were then allowed to return to the newsroom.

MISA Mozambique has strongly condemned the threats and attacks against journalists César Rafael and Valdemiro Amisse.

The organization described the act as an attack on press freedom, a fundamental right in a democracy.

"It is unacceptable that press professionals, when exercising their right to inform, are targets of intimidation and violence," he said in a statement published on the website.

MISA also pointed out that the actions of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR), by firing into the air in an already tense situation, contributed to the climate of terror, rather than protecting citizens and journalists. The organization called on the authorities to investigate the incident in a serious and transparent manner, holding those involved accountable.

"We reaffirm our commitment to the defense of human rights, freedom of expression and free and independent journalism. We demand immediate protection for journalists in the exercise of their functions and respect for press freedom in Mozambique," the statement concludes.