Detention of Venâncio Mondlane’s Finance Chief Sparks Political Controversy in Mozambique
The Maputo court has ordered the preventive detention of Glória Monteiro Nobre Chire, finance chief for Venâncio Mondlane, who is calling her a political prisoner. Her family is unaware of the reasons for her arrest. Mondlane faces legal scrutiny related to post-election violence, highlighting increasing tensions in Mozambique following the October elections that saw Daniel Chapo take presidency amidst widespread protests and claims of violence.
The Maputo City Judicial Court has mandated the preventive detention of Glória Monteiro Nobre Chire, finance chief of politician Venâncio Mondlane, raising concerns over her status as a political prisoner. Mondlane disclosed this on social media, expressing his concern about the circumstances under which Chire was detained, which remain unclear to her family.
Chire was arrested at her residence in Maputo by a substantial police presence, prompting her family to question the lack of transparency regarding the reason for her detention. Aline Nobre Chire, one of her daughters, reported witnessing the unprecedented police involvement and stated that they were unaware of the detention’s motivations.
In a live broadcast, Mondlane alleged that Chire has been subjected to psychological torture, asserting that she had been denied communication with her family and legal counsel for 48 hours before being presented to an investigating judge. He characterized the treatment she received as a violation of her presumption of innocence.
The 59-year-old retired accountant is responsible for managing Mondlane’s finances. The former presidential candidate has recently been facing legal actions from Mozambique’s attorney general’s office for purportedly inciting violence related to post-election protests that have erupted across the country post the October 9 elections.
On the matter of the demonstrations, Mondlane was interrogated for almost ten hours by the public prosecutor’s office concerning allegations of inciting violence and damaging the economy. He expressed confusion over the specific charges against him.
Furthermore, the public prosecutor’s office has mandated that Mondlane consistently report his identity and residency to authorities. He is facing multiple civil lawsuits with significant financial demands stemming from the unrest, including a recent claim for €1.5 million and a prior suit seeking compensation for substantial damages in Maputo.
Following the October elections, where President Daniel Chapo was declared the winner, Mondlane has emerged as a pivotal figure challenging the electoral results, marking this as the most significant electoral challenge in Mozambique since its transition to multiparty democracy in 1994. The protests have led to severe unrest, with reports indicating over 353 fatalities, significant injuries, and extensive property damage during these events, as documented by the Decide electoral platform.
In summary, the detention of Glória Monteiro Nobre Chire highlights serious political and judicial issues within Mozambique, particularly surrounding the treatment of political figures and the state’s response to post-election protests. Venâncio Mondlane’s ongoing legal challenges and the extensive unrest resulting from recent demonstrations emphasize the heightened tensions within the political landscape of Mozambique. As these events unfold, the implications for democratic practices and civil liberties continue to prompt concern both domestically and internationally.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
