The World Liberty Congress (WLC) has called on the Mozambican government and Supreme Court to ensure a fair, independent, and transparent trial for politician Venâncio Mondlane, scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, in Maputo. The WLC expressed concerns that the trial could be a test of the country's judicial independence, democratic institutions, and international reputation. Mondlane's trial is related to protests that followed the October 2024 general elections.
The WLC criticized President Daniel Chapo, emphasizing the importance of separating powers and warning against using state institutions for political purposes. The organization stressed that Mondlane's trial must respect the presumption of innocence, defense rights, and independent evaluation of evidence. The WLC will monitor the trial and hold Mozambican authorities accountable for any harm to Mondlane's physical integrity. The organization also recalled reports of human rights violations during post-election protests, including deaths, arbitrary arrests, and alleged abuses by security forces.
The WLC highlighted the assassination of Elvino Dias, Mondlane's lawyer, in October 2024, and called for clarification on this and other episodes of political violence. The organization's concerns coincide with the Supreme Court's decision not to allow live audiovisual transmission of the trial. While journalists and citizens are allowed to attend in person, under conditions set by the court, the WLC sees this as a concern for transparency and access to information.
The WLC emphasized that its international support for Mondlane does not place him above the law or grant foreign entities the right to determine the trial's outcome. Instead, the organization advocates for a fair and transparent process. Mondlane recently met with WLC members in Berlin, Germany, where he thanked them for their support and expressed readiness to face the trial's consequences.
Mondlane acknowledged the possibility of detention or aggression but reiterated his commitment to defending his convictions and the goals of his political movement. He expressed confidence that his supporters would continue to mobilize in defense of the political changes he advocates for in Mozambique, even if he is detained. The WLC also noted Mondlane's recent participation in the Berlin Freedom Conference and the admission of his party, ANAMOLA, as a full member of the Liberal International.
The trial's outcome may have significant implications for Mozambique's democracy and stability. The international community is watching closely, as the WLC and other organizations push for a fair and transparent process. Mondlane's case has sparked concerns about the country's human rights record and the government's handling of dissent.
As the trial begins, the WLC and other observers will be monitoring the proceedings, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the rule of law in Mozambique. The organization's involvement highlights the global attention on the case and the stakes for Mondlane, his supporters, and the country's future.
Key points
- The World Liberty Congress has called for a fair and transparent trial for Venâncio Mondlane, citing concerns about Mozambique's judicial independence and democratic institutions.
- Mondlane's trial is related to protests that followed the October 2024 general elections in Mozambique.
- The WLC will monitor the trial and hold Mozambican authorities accountable for any harm to Mondlane's physical integrity.
