Mozambican Bar Association Condemns Deadly Repression of Protests

Maputo- The Mozambican Bar Association (OAM) has strongly condemned the actions of security forces who fatally ran over a young woman during a protest in Maputo last week. The incident, which occurred on Eduardo Mondlane Avenue, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.

The OAM has demanded criminal proceedings against the military and police officers involved in the tragedy. In a letter addressed to relevant government officials, the Bar Association argued that the use of force was excessive and disproportionate, violating fundamental rights and liberties.

The organization has pledged to provide legal assistance to the victim's family and called on the government to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. The OAM emphasized the constitutional right to peaceful protest and criticized the government's heavy-handed response.

The Mozambican Defense Ministry has acknowledged that an armored vehicle belonging to the armed forces was involved in the incident, but claimed it was accidental. However, the Bar Association has dismissed this explanation, asserting that the actions of the security forces were deliberate and criminal.