By Noémia Mendes and Neusa Chiunguete
Maputo (MOZTIMES) - The General Command of the Mozambican police (PRM) has warned that there will be no room in the country for demonstrations in the framework of the strikes called by the presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, supported by the PODEMOS party, who has protested against the preliminary election results which point to a victory by the ruling Frelimo Party and its candidate Daniel Chapo.
The General Commander of the PRM, Bernardino Rafael, said at a Tuesday press conference in Maputo that the fourth wave of demonstrations called by Venâncio Mondlane, broadcasting from an undisclosed location, do not meet the requirements demanded by law.
Bernardino Rafael said that the previous demonstrations called illegally had resulted in acts of vandalism, subversion, urban terrorism and an attempt to change the democratically established political power. They had resulted in heavy human, economic and social losses, for both the public and the private sectors and for society in general.
Rafael protested that the organisers of the demonstrations had disregarded an article in the law on freedom of assembly which obliges all those who wish to hold meetings or demonstrations in public places, or places open to the public, to inform in writing the civil and police authorities of the area four days in advance. This notice of the demonstration should be signed by ten promoters of the event, duly identified by name, profession and address.
Rafael claimed that the purpose of calling demonstrations by social media is to destabilise the national economy, destroy socio-economic infrastructures, loot private and collective property, and ensure general paralysis of labour activities.
"The PRM declares tolerance zero of all acts of illegal and violent demonstrations that attack peace, national sovereignty, and public order and security", the commander warned. He urged all citizens "to refrain from such acts which constitute criminal and anti-social behaviour and subversion punishable in terms of the law".
Venâncio Mondlane, on the grounds that he does not accept the preliminary results of the general elections of 9 October, announced by the National Elections Commission, called for 13 October yet another wave of street protests.
In the recent Maputo demonstrations, three deaths were recorded and 66 injuries, more than 75 per cent of whom were suffering from bullet wounds. (NM/NC)
