Gloria Nobre Chire, treasurer for Venancio Mondlane, has been charged with state security crimes in Mozambique. She was detained unlawfully for 48 hours, denied legal representation, and her lawyer criticized the delays concerning her arrest. Chire is being described as a “political prisoner,” with her case highlighting issues of police conduct and political harassment.
The Mozambican Public Prosecutor’s Office has charged Gloria Nobre Chire, treasurer for former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, with state security crimes and conspiracy. Her lawyer, Mutota Escova, confirmed the charges in an article published in “Mediafax”.
Chire was arrested in her residence located in the Alto Mae neighborhood of Maputo on Wednesday. She was reportedly held for 48 hours at a police station in Maputo port, denied contact with her family and lawyers.
Efforts by three lawyers to reach her were thwarted by police, who violated legal protocols by refusing access. It was only through intervention from the Mozambican Bar Association that her family and the lawyer, Mutota, were able to communicate with her on Friday morning.
Escova has declared the detention illegal, noting that the arrest warrant provided to him was dated from February, raising questions about the delayed execution. He stated, “The arrest is beyond comprehension. The behavior of the police is entirely illegal.”
In pursuit of legal representation, the Bar Association contacted the Attorney-General’s Office, which subsequently allowed Chire’s lawyers and family access to her. Mondlane referred to Chire as a “political prisoner” facing “political harassment”.
Thus far, police and prosecutorial officials have not provided clarity on the nature of the alleged security offences committed by Chire.
In conclusion, Gloria Nobre Chire’s arrest raises serious legal and ethical concerns regarding state security accusations. Despite confirmation of her charges, the details of the supposed offences remain undisclosed. Furthermore, the circumstances of her detention portray a concerning picture of police conduct and potential political oppression, prompting significant unrest within the legal and political communities.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
