Rights Watch Seeks Release of Mozambique Protesters

Human Rights Watch has called on Mozambique’s government to release all those it says were arbitrarily arrested during last Friday’s peaceful protest. Main opposition Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) called the nationwide protest after the country’s election commission announced that the ruling FRELIMO party had won in 64 of the country’s 65 municipalities during October 11 municipal elections. Mozambique officials were not immediately available for comment. Zenaida Machado (Mah-sha-do) Ezinteje, Human Rights Watch’s senior researcher for Africa, tells VOA’s James Butty, Mozambican authorities should investigate the security forces’ use of excessive force and have those responsible prosecuted.