Venâncio Mondlane Scheduled to Appear Before Attorney General’s Office

Venâncio Mondlane, former presidential candidate in Mozambique, is set to testify at the Attorney General’s Office in Maputo regarding a criminal case. His attendance follows a postponement from an earlier scheduled hearing, as confirmed by his advisor. The case arises from protests against disputed election results, and Mondlane has faced multiple legal actions, reflecting ongoing tensions in Mozambican politics.

Venâncio Mondlane, a prominent Mozambican politician and former presidential candidate, announced his intention to appear at the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) in Maputo tomorrow to provide a statement in connection with an ongoing criminal case. He shared this information on his official Facebook account, stating, “See you tomorrow, at 9:00 am, at the PGR.” His advisor, Dinis Tivane, confirmed this by mentioning that Mondlane has concluded his obligations abroad.

The initial hearing for Mondlane was set for this morning but was postponed until tomorrow following a request from his representation. A source from the PGR disclosed that the hearing has been rescheduled for March 11 at 9:00 am. Mondlane is being investigated as part of a criminal case initiated last year, coinciding with widespread protests concerning the electoral results he has been associated with since October.

This case is among at least two against Mondlane resulting from demonstrations he led in response to the contested election outcomes. The tension culminated in incidents where the police discharged firearms to disperse crowds supporting him. Recently, Mondlane also pursued claims for compensation regarding property damages incurred during these protests, amounting to 1.5 million euros and an additional claim for over 32 million meticais related to losses in Maputo.

On January 27, the PGR initiated proceedings against Mondlane for issuing a so-called “presidential decree” that purportedly undermines democratic principles. This document outlined strategic measures and suggested public intervention regarding police actions, provoking scrutiny from the authorities. The PGR emphasized that such a declaration constitutes a constitutional violation, as the authority to issue decrees rests solely with legitimate state bodies.

Mondlane emerged as the second-highest vote recipient in the October elections, which saw Daniel Chapo declared victorious. This election cycle has sparked Mozambique’s most significant electoral challenges since the establishment of a multi-party system in 1994, leading to numerous fatalities amid protests, with a reported 353 deaths from confrontations, as cited by monitoring groups and corroborated by the government.

Venâncio Mondlane’s upcoming appearance at the PGR marks a significant moment in Mozambique’s evolving political landscape, where he faces legal challenges stemming from his vocal opposition to election results. The postponement of the hearing illustrates the complex interplay between political dissent and judicial scrutiny in the nation. As these developments unfold, the implications for Mozambique’s democratic integrity and public discourse remain paramount, with the ongoing protests reflecting deep-seated societal divisions.”,

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com