– Global organisation defending writers facing political persecution worldwide considers the detention arbitrary and politically motivated
By MOZTIMES
Maputo (MOZTIMES)—The global organisation PEN International has this week called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mozambican writer, poet, and editor Alex Nhabanga, known by the pen name Alex Barga. He has been held at Maputo Civil Prison since 12 January. His detention took place amid the authoritarian crackdown on post-election protests.
Barga was accused of involvement in an alleged coup plot, a charge PEN deems baseless and politically motivated. His arrest came shortly after the launch and promotion of his book A Sociological View on the Charisma of Venâncio Mondlane, a study analysing the political impact of the opposition leader, published during the electoral period.
Alex Barga’s case forms part of a broader pattern of authoritarian repression, often using judicial institutions to carry out arbitrary detentions in Mozambique during and after the protests contesting the results of the 2024 general elections, which were widely described as fraudulent by both domestic and international election observation bodies.
Several supporters of the main opposition presidential candidate, Venâncio Mondlane, including political activists and ordinary citizens, were detained, tortured and, in some cases, killed after voicing criticism of the electoral process and demanding justice.
PEN International, which has defended freedom of expression and protected persecuted writers around the world for over 100 years, considers Barga’s detention a blatant violation of human rights and of Mozambique’s Constitution. “Mozambican authorities must release him immediately and end the criminalisation of critical thought,” the organisation stated in a press release distributed by email.
Headquartered in London and active in over 100 countries, PEN has a notable record of defending unjustly imprisoned writers and is widely recognised for its work in authoritarian settings where freedom of the press and expression are under threat. (MT)
