The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and Mozambique’s National Journalists’ Union (SNJ) have condemned police violence against journalists during an attempt to block a march in Quelimane at the weekend, saying the attacks endangered press freedom and the safety of media professionals.
The two organisations issued a joint statement late Monday following incidents on Saturday when Mozambican police officers intervened to break a march marking the first anniversary of the Anamola party led by politician Venâncio Mondlane. Several people were injured during the skirmishes, including three journalists.
MISA and SNJ said journalism is an activity of recognised public interest and stressed that media professionals must not be treated as targets or obstacles to security forces.
“Our organisations express their deep solidarity with all journalists affected by this incident, particularly the three professionals who sustained injuries,” the statement read.
The two organisations pledged institutional support to safeguard journalists’ rights and wellbeing, noting they had met the provincial police commander to present a detailed account of the events and request stronger protection for reporters covering demonstrations and rallies.
Mondlane rejected police claims that organisers had been warned the march could not proceed, denying allegations of defiance by his supporters.
The police insisted that dispersal was necessary due to security concerns linked to a local festival and denied using live ammunition, stating only tear gas was fired for about five minutes.
JN/APA