Moz takes firm stand against terrorism with 24 years’ jail

Maputo – Mozambique’s parliament has approved a tough new antiterror law that imposes stiff prison sentences for convicted jihadists, but also for anyone spreading misinformation about the country’s insurgency.

The measures calling for up to 24 years in prison for those found guilty of “terrorism” offences had broad support, but the opposition fears the clauses on misinformation could be used to crack down on media.

“Mozambique is experiencing cruel, direct impacts from terrorist attacks in the north,” government spokesman Nyeleti Mondlane told parliament. “We want to strengthen the law to combat terrorism,” he said.

About 3 900 people have been killed and 820 000 displaced from their homes since jihadist unrest erupted in northern Mozambique in October 2017.

– AFP