Amnesty wants probe into election crackdown

Mozambique's security forces carried out a brutal, three-month crackdown on protesters after the country's election last year, Amnesty International said, citing local activists who alleged that more than 300 people were killed and more than 3 000 injured in the unrest, according to The Independent. In its new report, Amnesty called on Mozambican authorities to investigate the killings and all rights violations in the wake of the election, and to bring law enforcement officials responsible to justice. Thousands of Mozambicans took part in waves of protests in the weeks after the 9 October Presidential and parliamentary election, where Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner amid allegations of rigging and election fraud raised by his challengers and international observers. The protests were in support of Venancio Mondlane, who ran as an independent candidate but was supported by the opposition Podemos party. The demonstrations intensified after the 18 October killing of Mondlane's lawyer and a Podemos official. According to Amnesty's report, between 21 October and 25 January, the Mozambique police and army used deadly force against largely peaceful marches and gatherings, shooting live ammunition, rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at protesters and bystanders. Amnesty said its report was based on interviews with 28 people, including eyewitnesses, victims, victims' relatives, doctors and lawyers. Other rights groups have reported that at least 10 children were among those killed in the protests. Police carried out mass arrests of protesters and bystanders, including teenagers, Amnesty also said it has evidence suggesting that Mozambican internet providers restricted access to social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram and the messaging service WhatsApp ‘at key moments during the protests’.