Reporter who exposed mining abuses targeted in shooting attack in Mozambique News
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Reporter who exposed mining abuses targeted in shooting attack in Mozambique

Armed men reportedly wearing police uniforms fired dozens of bullets at a Mozambican journalist’s vehicle, in what human rights groups are calling an assassination attempt aimed at silencing his reporting on illegal mining.

Carlitos Candangue, a reporter for SOICO Television, was driving home with his son in Chimoio city on Tuesday evening when the attack occurred. Candangue had received death threats following his reports on illegal mining in Manica province, which led to the suspension of all mining companies operating in the area.

Amnesty International’s regional director for East and Southern Africa said of the attack, “This was a brazen act designed to silence a journalist who has shone a spotlight on the misdeeds of the powerful.” He called on authorities to investigate and protect journalists from “harassment, intimidation and threats to their lives.”

The attack follows a pattern of violence against Mozambican journalists. Editor João Chamusse was found dead in his home in December 2023, and journalist Arlindo Chissale has been missing since Jan. 7, when witnesses reported seeing him beaten and removed by alleged security forces.

Human rights groups have documented widespread threats, harassment and arbitrary detention of journalists in Mozambique.

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