Mozambique's Attorney General opens eight cases against police officers involved in murders and violence during anti-fraud marches
The Attorney General's Office (PGR) of Mozambique has initiated at least eight criminal cases against officers of the Mozambique Republic Police (PRM), in connection with the violence and murders that occurred during the anti-electoral fraud demonstrations led by Renamo.
This development was outlined in a letter sent by the PGR to the Renamo party, detailing the progress of the criminal complaint filed last year against Bernardino Rafael, who was accused of instructing police officers to commit such acts.
In the document, the PGR emphasized the importance of clarifying, investigating, and potentially holding the involved officers accountable based on indications of illicit practices. These cases are distributed across various provinces of the country.
Notably, the cases include Process no. 118/02/04/P/2023 in Chiúre, Cabo Delgado; Process no. 626/1001/P/23 in Matola, Maputo; and Process no. 309/0711/P/2023 in Marromeu, Sofala, the latter involving a defendant in pre-trial detention.
In Quelimane, two criminal cases have been established, and in Angoche, Nampula, a case was opened following the police's firing on protesters, leading to several injuries and the death of an elderly woman. Additional cases have been opened in Namicopo neighborhood in Nampula, and in Gurúè, Zambézia.
However, the PGR clarified that no evidence was found directly implicating the general commander of the Police, Bernardino Rafael, in the acts committed by the officers, emphasizing that in Mozambique, no one should obey illegal orders.
On December 28th, Bernardino Rafael acknowledged human rights violations by the Police and apologized to the families of the victims, marking a significant moment in this context.
