JOURNALIST’S DISAPPEARANCE MUST BE INVESTIGATED [Mozambique 18.25]

Dear Prosecutor General,

I am writing to you to express my concern about the enforced disappearance of journalist and politician, Arlindo Chissale, and the lack of any public communication from the authorities about the start or progress of any investigation into his case or the failure to reveal his fate and whereabouts.

On January 7, witnesses saw Arlindo Chissale being removed from the public minibus he was in and taken away by a group of men, three of whom were dressed in military uniforms. Witnesses then told his family they saw him being beaten and forced into a second vehicle, a white car with no license plates. Arlindo Chissale has not been seen since.

On January 16, his family filed a complaint at the 2nd police station in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, but to date, authorities have not publicly announced any investigation initiated or underway, despite the leads and testimonies from his family.

I call on you to ensure that Arlindo Chissale’s enforced disappearance is promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently, and effectively investigated with his fate and whereabouts disclosed. Anyone suspected of being responsible should be brought to justice in fair trials. Authorities must follow up on all existing leads to publicly clarify where Arlindo Chissale is, and how and why he was forcibly disappeared.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]