Islam Times - Mozambique Prison Riot Leaves 33 Dead, More than 1,500 Escape

Islam Times - At least 1,534 prisoners escaped Wednesday from a prison near Mozambique’s capital in a premeditated act linked to post-election protests, local media reported.

A significant increase in crimes is anticipated in the capital city of Maputo over the next 48 hours, said Noticias ao Minuto, citing the country’s Police General Commander, Bernardino Rafael, Anadolu Agency reported.

Rafael noted that only 150 of the escaped inmates have been recaptured.

The prison held 29 “highly dangerous” terrorists who were among those freed during the escape, raising "serious concerns" he added.

The escape occurred around 1 p.m. local time (1100GMT) at Maputo Central Prison in Matola, located about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the capital, and was reportedly triggered by the actions of a group of subversive protesters in the area.

The noisy protesters demanded the release of a number of prisoners, said Rafael.

This sparked unrest inside the prison, leading to the collapse of a wall and enabling their escape, despite a confrontation with prison guards.

The clash left 33 dead among the inmates and 15 injured.

Rafael called for the fugitives to surrender voluntarily and urged the public to provide information about their whereabouts.

The prison break comes amid fresh protests following an announcement Monday by the Constitutional Court confirming that Daniel Chapo of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) had won disputed elections on Oct. 9.

Mozambique has experienced violent protests since late October, when the electoral authority declared 47-year-old Chapo the winner with 71% of the vote, defeating main opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who received 20%.

“Over 2,500 detainees have escaped from high-security prisons, including Maputo Central Prison. This shocking incident raises urgent questions about the state of security and the justice system in Mozambique,” Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, wrote on X Wednesday.

“Now, more than ever, it is critical for authorities, civil society and international partners to collaborate to ensure public safety and address the systemic challenges that led to this situation,” he added.