Venâncio Mondlane to Address PGR Regarding Ongoing Criminal Cases

Venâncio Mondlane will attend a hearing at the Mozambican PGR regarding a criminal case. His participation has been confirmed after the postponement of the originally scheduled hearing. Mondlane faces multiple legal challenges, including compensation claims linked to protests against election results, amidst rising tensions in Mozambique’s political landscape.

Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane announced his intention to appear at the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) in Maputo for a hearing related to a criminal case. Mondlane confirmed this via his official Facebook account, stating, “See you tomorrow, at 9:00 am, at the PGR.” His advisor, Dinis Tivane, supported this announcement, specifying that Mondlane had returned from completing tasks abroad.

The hearing, originally scheduled for Tuesday morning, was postponed after a request was made by Mondlane’s representative at the PGR. Now set for March 11 at 9:00 am local time, the PGR noted that Mondlane will be heard as part of a criminal case registered last year.

This criminal case is among multiple issues facing Mondlane, following protests he has led against the election results since October. Notably, he has remained silent since a police incident that required him to flee a protest convoy. Moreover, Mondlane faces a 1.5 million euro compensation claim related to protest damages.

In addition to the compensation demands, the PGR has also filed a civil action requesting over 32 million meticais (around 486 thousand euros) for damages in Maputo. Further complications arose when the PGR launched a proceeding examining a document Mondlane issued purportedly as a “presidential decree,” which the prosecutor’s office deemed unconstitutional, stating that such acts are reserved for state authorities and need to be published in the official gazette.

Mondlane, recognized as the second most voted candidate in the October presidential elections, is leading significant challenges to the electoral outcomes, marking a notable contest in Mozambique’s political landscape since 1994. The election concluded with Daniel Chapo being sworn in as president, but subsequent unrest has resulted in significant casualties, with at least 353 reported due to clashes since the protests commenced, although the government officially acknowledges at least 80 deaths.

Venâncio Mondlane has confirmed his attendance at a hearing by the PGR in Maputo regarding a criminal case, reflecting ongoing legal issues stemming from his challenges to the recent election results. The state’s response includes multiple compensation claims along with accusations of constitutional violations linked to his proclamations. As the political climate in Mozambique remains tense following electoral disputes, the ramifications of Mondlane’s actions and the protests continue to unfold.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com