Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of Mozambican journalist Amade Abubacar, citing allegations of severe mistreatment during his detention. The human rights organization stated that Abubacar was denied access to food, medical treatment, and family visits while imprisoned for reporting on violence in Cabo Delgado.
The group emphasized that Abubacar, a radio journalist with Nacedje Communitary Radio, is a prisoner of conscience. His arrest on January 5 followed his coverage of attacks by armed groups in the northern Mozambican province, which borders Tanzania. The violence, which escalated in October 2017, has left over 100 dead and displaced hundreds.
Amnesty reported that Abubacar has experienced health issues, including persistent headaches and diarrhea, since his arrest. Prior to detention, he was in good health. The organization’s Southern Africa regional director, Deprose Muchena, condemned the detention as an attack on press freedom, stating authorities appeared intent on prolonging the injustice.
A visit by Mozambican Bar Association representatives and Abubacar’s lawyer on January 25 was hindered by restrictions on private consultations. Amnesty linked the detention to broader efforts to suppress media coverage of the conflict, attributed to local armed groups.
