JUSTICE FOR WOMAN SHOT IN THE FACE [Mozambique 24.25]

Dear Prosecutor General,

I am writing to express grave concern for designer, Alcina Nhaume, who was shot in the face inside her atelier, in Maputo, Mozambique.

The images shared by Alcina’s family show her face severely damaged and disfigured. Alcina Nhaume was hospitalized at the Maputo Central Hospital, where her doctors say she will remain for the next few months as her health is in critical condition. She is currently being fed through tubes, and according to her doctors she will never speak again, and will struggle to eat, unless she undergoes specialized surgery abroad.

The authorities said they would investigate Alcina Nhaume’s shooting. However, Amnesty International is concerned that this may be just an empty promise, as has happened many times before, and that the results of any such investigations will not be made public, nor will the perpetrators be held accountable. As per Article 58 of the Constitution of the Republic of Mozambique, “the state is responsible for damages caused by illegal acts of its agents in the performance of their duties, without prejudice to the right of recourse under the law.”

Alcina Nhaume is one of the more than 700 victims shot by the authorities since October 21, 2024, in the violent post-election crackdown in the country.

I call on you to conduct an independent and transparent investigation, and ensure that the findings are made public, and that the perpetrators are held accountable in fair trials.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]