Mozambican must support media freedom, instead of criminalizing journalists

Mozambican authorities are treating Amade Abubacar like a convicted criminal by prolonging his pretrial detention without bringing any legitimate charges against him in violation of national and international law.

As Mozambican journalist and Prisoner of Conscience, Amade Abubacar, marks 90-days in pretrial detention, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for Southern Africa, Deprose Muchena said:

“Mozambican authorities are treating Amade Abubacar like a convicted criminal by prolonging his pretrial detention without bringing any legitimate charges against him in violation of national and international law.

“The continued detention of Amade - whose wife and children have not been able to visit him – is against the principle of being innocent until proven guilty. 

“Amade must either be charged with a recognizable criminal offence or released immediately and allowed to do his job without fear of reprisals. Mozambican authorities must support media freedom, instead of criminalizing journalists.”

(With Inputs from APO)