Detention of Venâncio Mondlane’s Finance Chief Raises Concerns in Mozambique
The Maputo City Judicial Court has ordered the detention of Glória Monteiro Nobre Chire, finance chief of politician Venâncio Mondlane. Chire’s arrest has been labeled politically motivated, and Mondlane faces accusations of inciting violence during election protests that resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries in Mozambique. The unfolding legal challenges highlight the contentious political climate in the country following recent elections.
On Friday, the Maputo City Judicial Court ordered the preventive detention of Glória Monteiro Nobre Chire, Venâncio Mondlane’s finance chief. Mondlane declared on social media that Chire has become a political prisoner following the judge’s decision. She was arrested at her residence in Maputo on Wednesday, with the reasons for her detention currently unknown.
Aline Nobre Chire, one of Glória’s daughters, described witnessing an unexpected police presence during the arrest and expressed confusion over the motives behind the detention. In a livestream, Mondlane claimed his finance chief was subjected to detention and psychological torture, being denied contact with her family and lawyer for 48 hours before being presented to an investigating judge.
The 59-year-old Chire, a retired accountant responsible for Mondlane’s finances, is involved amid allegations against the politician by Mozambique’s attorney general’s office. They accuse Mondlane of inciting violence during recent post-election demonstrations that resulted in significant unrest across the nation. Mondlane has publicly stated that he faced extensive questioning from the attorney general’s office concerning several allegations.
Furthermore, authorities imposed a requirement on Mondlane to regularly report his identity and residence while a new lawsuit demands €1.5 million for damages linked to the protests. This follows a previous lawsuit requesting over 32 million meticais for damages inflicted in Maputo alone. Since the demonstrations began in October, around 353 individuals, including minors, have died in clashes, with the government acknowledging at least 80 fatalities and extensive property damage.
The detention of Glória Monteiro Nobre Chire, Venâncio Mondlane’s finance chief, raises significant concerns regarding political repression in Mozambique. The direct allegations against Mondlane connect to incitement of violence amid post-election unrest, which has resulted in substantial casualties and property destruction. This escalating situation underscores the complex dynamics surrounding the recent elections and ongoing demonstrations in Mozambique, with a clear call for heightened scrutiny of human rights issues.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
