Over 1,500 prisoners escape Mozambique prison amid political unrest over election results
By News on air Dec 26, 2024
More than 1,500 prisoners have escaped from a prison in Mozambique, taking advantage of ongoing political unrest triggered by disputed election results. According to sources, thirty-three people were killed and 15 injured in clashes with guards. Police chief Bernardino Rafael told a press conference that protests erupted on Monday in response to Mozambique’s highest court confirming that the ruling Frelimo party, in power since 1975, had won October’s presidential elections. Mr Rafael said groups of anti-government protesters had approached the prison in the capital Maputo. The prisoners used the unrest to knock down a wall and escaped.