By Ricardo Dias
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – The Mozambican Attorney General's Office (PGR) notified former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane on Thursday to appear before the institution next Monday to respond to a criminal case against him, related to the post-election unrest.
In an interview with MOZTIMES, Mondlane's advisor, Dinis Tivane, confirmed receipt of the PGR notification. However, he stated that the former presidential candidate will not be able to attend, as he is in an undisclosed location after being a victim of an "attempted murder".
The exact nature of the case against Mondlane remains unknown. However, the former presidential candidate is already facing other legal actions related to the protests. The Inhambane Provincial Attorney's Office has filed a civil lawsuit demanding 4 million meticais in compensation from Venâncio Mondlane for damages caused to public infrastructure during the post-election unrest.
On 22 November 2024, the Maputo provincial branch of the Public Prosecutor's Office also filed a civil lawsuit against Mondlane, demanding 105 million meticais in compensation for damage resulting from the protests.
At a press conference on 9 January, Mondlane stated that he was willing to face justice. "I am prepared to clarify the facts and expose who the real perpetrators of the crimes committed so far are," he declared.
The post-election demonstrations led by Venâncio Mondlane included roadblocks but quickly escalated into acts of vandalism, looting, and the destruction of hundreds of public and private buildings across the country.
The police response was violent, resulting in at least 357 deaths so far, most of them from police gunfire. More than 620 people have been shot and injured, and over 4,000 detained, according to data from the "Decide" Platform, which monitors electoral violence. (RD)
