MISA CONDEMNS ATTACK AGAINST ZAMBEZIA JOURNALIST
Maputo, 25 Oct (AIM) – The Mozambican chapter of the regional press freedom body MISA (Media Institute of Southern Africa) has condemned a police attack against community radio journalist Nuno Gemusse Alberto, a reporter on the Monte Gile community radio in the central province of Zambezia.
According to Alberto he was going home on Thursday, after delivering his equipment to the radio newsroom, when he was intercepted, detained and assaulted by members of the Mozambican police (PRM).
The police in Gile district had been repressing demonstrations against the general election results announced on Thursday afternoon. Alberto had been using his cell phone to document the clashes between police and demonstrators.
The police dragged Alberto into a police vehicle and drove him to the Gile district police command, where he was severely beaten. Members of the armed forces (FADM) also took part in the beating.
Alberto identified the head of operations in the Gile Command, Helder Graciano, as one of those involved in the torture.
Alberto said he was repeatedly threatened, and was beaten on the legs, affecting his mobility and the exercise of his professional activities.
MISA says “this act of violence is an assault against the constitutionally enshrined rights to freedom of expression and of the press. It is also a serious violation of the principles of transparency and the right of access to public information”.
“These actions”, MISA added, “undermine trust in the rule of law”. MISA described the incident as “an attempt to silence the voice of journalists who are acting in defence of the truth and of right to information of Mozambican society”.
The Zambezia provincial nucleus of MISA has demanded an urgent and independent investigation which will hold responsible those involved in the assault against Gemusse Alberto.
It called on the government and the police “to ensure the safety and integrity of media professionals”, particularly in sensitive contexts, such as election periods.
The statement urged the judicial authorities “to reaffirm their commitment to press freedom by taking strict measures against intimidation and violence”.
MISA declared that respect for press freedom “is an essential pillar of democracy, and this episode is another example of the urgent need to guarantee that the work of journalists in Mozambique takes place without threats or reprisals”.
(AIM)
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