Maputo, Paris, 28 October 2024. Mozambique is faced with severe human rights violations at the hands of the police amid popular protests. The Mozambique Republic Police (PRM) is reported to have killed 11 citizens according to CDD monitors, and to have committed numerous other human rights violations. Across the country, the PRM has detained at least 452 people. Many detainees were reported to have no direct involvement in the protests, while others are minors and vulnerable individuals. Additionally, dozens of injured individuals, fearing police retaliation, are forced to attempt to be treated at home. They remain without adequate access to healthcare. The Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD), in collaboration with the Mozambican Bar Association (OAM), has worked tirelessly to secure the release of detainees, managing to free 85 people as of date.
Obstruction of access to justice
The repression extends beyond the streets to police stations and prosecutor’s offices, where access to justice has been systematically blocked. Lawyers face arbitrary and illegal barriers when trying to assist detainees, with police commanders denying access to their clients on arbitrary grounds.
It is the role of the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) to monitor the legality of detentions and the conditions of custody. Yet, human rights organisations report that prosecutors are often absent from police stations, implying complicity in the abuses and reinforcing a climate of impunity for the neglect of detainees’ rights. Citing "higher instructions", these prosecutors refrain from supervising detentions, which hinders the fair application of the law and favors abusive practices. For example, at the Marracuene District Command, 14 people were detained since 24 October 2024, exceeding the legal custody period and constituting illegal detention. The local commander completely denied lawyers access, stating that she awaited orders from the Provincial Command, thereby violating fundamental rights to defense and transparency.
Appeal to the international community
FIDH and CDD demand an immediate end to police violence, and the release of all unjustly detained individuals. They urge the international community to press the Mozambican government to respect fundamental rights and allow peaceful protests without violent interference. Access to justice must be guaranteed, and security forces must be held accountable for any abuses committed against the Mozambican people. Peace, justice, and dignity for the Mozambican people are at stake.