The sentencing of six police officers for the shooting of protesters in Mozambique is a welcome development, however, the court’s plan for reparations for the victims does not reflect the severity of the crime committed.
Development Diaries reports that Paulo Dimétrio, Celso Matusse, Jaime Maússe, Afonso Xavier, Jaime Simbine and Moisês Maricoa were sentenced by the Mabalane District Court for the shooting of six residents near Banhine National Park on 03 November, 2020.
The court concluded, based on confessions, expert reports and ballistic tests, that the shots fired by the officers were disproportionate and inappropriate, constituting a violation of human rights.
We understand that instead of jail time for the officers, the court ordered fines of 16,500 meticais, approximately £200, for each officer be paid to the victims.
This raises serious concerns as the court risks sending a message of impunity by not adequately addressing the gravity of the violations.
‘This verdict is an important milestone in seeking justice for the victims of this tragic event’, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Research in East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farisè, said in a statement
‘However, while the court’s decision represents a step towards justice for the victims, the compensation they have received does not correspond to the suffering they endured.
‘Reparations must always be adequate, effective, and prompt, and proportionate to the seriousness of the violations and the harm suffered’.
Threats to freedom of assembly in Mozambique have increased, as activists and community leaders who speak out against injustice, abuses by the government, or the high cost of living have faced excessive force and arrest by security forces.
It is only right that those found guilty of violating the fundamental rights of others, especially through extrajudicial killings, be met with the full weight of the law.
Development Diaries calls on the country’s Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, Helena Kida, to ensure cases of impunity relating to police violence are actively challenged with appropriate punishments for those found guilty to prevent future incidents and promote stronger commitment to human rights and dignity.
Photo source: Amnesty International