Maputo, 11 Jun (AIM) – Mozambique’s former presidential candidate, Venâncio Mondlane, has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the bodies of the administration of justice, following a summons that was made public by the Maputo City Law Court giving him 20 days to present his defence in a lawsuit filed by the Mozambican state, in the context of the post-election demonstrations he had called to protest against the fraudulent results of the general elections held last October.
The mass demonstrations, which took place across the country, degenerated into rioting, including the destruction of public and private property, road blocks and the looting of stores.
The notice, which was published in the Maputo daily paper “Notícias”, says that Mondlane will be heard in the 19th section of the Maputo Law Court and, “if he so wishes, may present his defence, in the ordinary common proceedings, brought by the Mozambican state, through the Public Prosecutor’s Office (PGR).”
According to Mondlane, who was reacting to the notice on Tuesday, through a live broadcast on his Facebook account, the justice bodies are being used to intimidate those who speak their minds, “but I won’t stop denouncing what is wrong.”
“I have taken on this mission and the challenge of carrying this cross”, he said. “I am at the disposal of the courts. I am also at the disposal of my people to continue to be an active politician and to be the voice of those who have no voice”.
Last year, while the demonstrations were taking place, the PGR had already filed a civil lawsuit against Mondlane, demanding compensation of 32.3 billion meticais (about 505 million dollars at the current exchange rate) as a result of the “damage caused to the State by demonstrations.”
The court document claimed that Mondlane’s current whereabouts are unknown, but also gave his address and phone number.
“The justice bodies know where to find me”, he declared. “They just published this document in order to entertain the people. I want you all to be calm, because I’m here in Mozambique and I’m not running away or hiding”.
(AIM)
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