Angola: Authorities must free human rights activist
| Publisher | Amnesty International |
| Publication Date | 11 September 2015 |
| Cite as | Amnesty International, Angola: Authorities must free human rights activist, 11 September 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55f698be4.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Angolan authorities must drop the charge of "rebellion" against human rights activist José Marcos Mavungo and immediately and unconditionally free him, Amnesty International said today ahead of the court's final decision on his case on 14 September 2015.
"This trial is indicative of the shrinking human rights space in the country and Angolan authorities must release him and stop intimidating dissenting voices."
José Marcos Mavungo, who spent six months in pre-trial detention, was charged with "rebellion" after he was arrested on 14 March 2015 for helping to organize a peaceful demonstration against bad governance in Cabinda Province.
Amnesty International considers him to be a prisoner of conscience.
During his trial in August, the General Sub-Prosecutor in Cabinda, Antonio Nito, asked for a 12-year jail term, the maximum penalty allowed by law.
"Angolan authorities should encourage the healthy exchange of views instead of governing the country by entrenching fear and silencing government critics."
Background
José Marcos Mavungo's trial took place between 26 and 28 August 2015.
The Angolan government has become increasingly intolerant of dissenting views. Those who speak out against President José Eduardo dos Santos have been subjected to extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture.
Despite freedom of expression and peaceful assembly being clearly enshrined in the country's constitution and in several international treaties that Angola is a state party to, violations of these rights continue to be committed on a regular basis.
