Mozambique’s Gloria Nobre Chire Charged with State Security Offences

Gloria Nobre Chire, treasurer for former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, has been charged with state security crimes and illegal detention. Her lawyer claims that the arrest was illegal and politically motivated. The situation highlights potential abuses within the Mozambican justice system regarding political dissent.

The Mozambican Public Prosecutor’s Office has charged Gloria Nobre Chire, treasurer for erstwhile presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, with state security crimes and criminal conspiracy. Her lawyer, Mutota Escova, confirmed these charges in a report by “Mediafax”.

Chire was detained at her residence in the Alto Mae neighborhood of inner Maputo. She was held unlawfully for 48 hours at the Maputo port police station, where authorities denied her contact with family members. Despite efforts from three lawyers to reach her, their attempts were obstructed by the police, violating legal protocols.

Only after intervention by the Mozambican Bar Association was Chire able to communicate with family and her lawyer. Mutota Escova described the detention as illegal, revealing that the arrest warrant dated back to February, which raises questions about its delayed execution. Escova remarked, “The arrest is beyond comprehension. The behaviour of the police is entirely illegal.”

To advocate for Chire’s legal rights, the Ordem dos Advogados de Moçambique (OAM) contacted the Attorney-General’s Office (PGR), which subsequently allowed lawyers and family access to Chire. OAM chairperson Carlos Martins noted the importance of this approach.

Mondlane has described Chire as a “political prisoner,” asserting that her detention is an instance of “political harassment.” To date, neither the police nor prosecution officials have elaborated on the specific “security offences” attributed to her.

In conclusion, Gloria Nobre Chire’s recent detention has triggered significant legal concerns regarding her treatment by law enforcement and the motives behind her charges. The intervention by the Mozambican Bar Association highlights potential legal violations experienced by Chire, while allegations of political harassment suggest broader implications for political dissent in Mozambique. Without clear details regarding the alleged security offences, the situation remains troubling, raising questions about the justice system’s adherence to legal standards in politically sensitive cases.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com