The embassy of the United States of America “strongly condemns an alleged arson attack at the headquarters of Canal de Moçambique, a leading independent newspaper in Mozambique”, can be read in a statement released yesterday
It is recalled that the newsroom of the “Canal de Moçambique” was set on fire last Sunday. Its executive editor, Matias Guente, describes this incident as a “terrorist act”.
“We urge the relevant Mozambican authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible for arson are brought to justice,” says the embassy, who adds that “the apparently intentional and extensive damage to the offices of a respected media institution media have an impact on the state of freedom of expression and press freedom in Mozambique ”.
Several Mozambican and international entities have already publicly condemned the attack on the “Canal de Moçambique” newsroom, recalling that it threatens democracy and freedom of expression
“Independent media outlets, such as” Canal de Moçambique “and” Canal Moz “, play a crucial role for democracy in the country”, defends the European Union, through its delegation in Maputo.
For the Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ), based in New York, the fire represents the deterioration of conditions for the practice of journalism in Mozambique. “The attack is the latest chapter in an increasingly worse environment for the independent press in Mozambique and a blatant offensive to democracy and the public’s right to service,” said Angela Quintal, CPJ’s program coordinator for Africa.
