According to Human Rights Watch, protestors preparing for a march on Saturday in honour of a rapper who was outspoken in his criticism of the government were attacked by police in Mozambique using tear gas and rubber bullets.
The untimely passing of Edson da Luz, well known by his stage as Azagaia, has led to unusual anti-government protests in the nation of southern Africa.
More than a thousand people were anticipated to attend a mourning march in central Maputo on Saturday, and neighbouring towns also planned gatherings.
But, a significant police presence in the capital stopped the parade from happening.
Zenaida Machado, a senior researcher with HRW in Mozambique, stated, “They didn’t allow people to congregate,” despite the fact that the demonstration had been approved by local authorities. They started firing tear gas and rubber bullets without the demonstrators showing any signs of hostility.”
Social media video saw anti-riot police dispersing small protest groups with tear gas while using armoured vehicles, dogs, and other equipment.
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“We came here to express our gratitude to the rapper Azagaia for everything that he has done for our nation. Why do they target us? AFP was told by activist Fatima Mimbire. “The march was calm.”
A tear gas grenade that fell inside a house injured at least two individuals, according to Quiteria Guirrengane, a rights activist and one of the protest’s organisers.
“We are now attempting to liberate some young people who were detained during the march.”
Calls to a police spokeswoman from AFP requesting comment were not returned.
Azagaia was well-liked among Mozambique’s youth for his songs that addressed issues of poverty, corruption, and human rights until he passed away earlier this month following an epileptic seizure.
Police also used tear gas at a funeral procession this week that thousands of people attended. The government has been urged by HRW to look into both occurrences.
Machado continued, “Authorities in Mozambique seem to be extremely terrified of having seen people on the streets peacefully demonstrating or marching for a reason.
In Mozambique, one of the world’s poorest countries, where the Frelimo party has been in power since the country’s independence from Portuguese in 1975, political demonstrations are uncommon.
