Detention of Venâncio Mondlane’s Finance Chief Sparks Political Controversy in Mozambique
The judicial court in Mozambique has ordered the detention of Glória Nobre Chire, finance chief of Venâncio Mondlane, amid allegations of political persecution. Mondlane claims Chire was denied communication with her family and lawyer after her detention. As tensions following the controversial October elections escalate, Mondlane faces multiple legal challenges, contributing to rising social unrest.
The Maputo City Judicial Court has ordered the preventive detention of Glória Nobre Chire, finance chief of Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane. Mondlane declared on social media that she is now a political prisoner. Detained at her home in Maputo, her family remains unaware of the charges against her.
Chire’s daughter, Aline Nobre Chire, recounted witnessing a significant police presence during the detention, stating, “We don’t know the reason for the detention.” Mondlane, during a livestream, accused police of psychologically torturing Chire, claiming that she was denied communication with her family and lawyer for 48 hours.
Glória Nobre Chire, 59, serves as the financial manager for Mondlane, a former presidential candidate protesting the results of the 9 October elections in Mozambique. The nation’s attorney general’s office has initiated legal proceedings against Mondlane, primarily for inciting post-election violence.
Mondlane was recently interrogated for nearly ten hours concerning accusations related to inciting violence and damaging the economy, but he left uncertain about the specific crimes he is being charged with. Additionally, authorities have mandated that Mondlane regularly report his identity and residence.
The public prosecutor’s office filed a lawsuit seeking €1.5 million in damages from Mondlane due to the protests, while another civil suit claimed compensation of 32,377,276.46 meticais (approximately €486,000). The proceedings followed allegations that Mondlane’s self-proclaimed ‘presidential decree’ undermines democratic principles.
Following the closely contested election, which resulted in Daniel Chapo assuming the presidency, Mondlane is spearheading a significant contestation of the electoral outcome. These protests have resulted in at least 353 deaths and approximately 3,500 injuries, according to reports from monitoring NGO Decide, amid widespread civil unrest.
The detention of Glória Nobre Chire, along with the legal troubles surrounding Venâncio Mondlane, highlights the escalating political tensions in Mozambique following the controversial October elections. Mondlane’s claims of psychological torture and political persecution shed light on broader issues of civil rights and governance in the nation. With numerous casualties reported from post-election protests, the situation remains critical as calls for accountability and justice intensify.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
