2023-05-25 11:30:18
The Angolan Parliament debate this Thursday (25.05), in general, a bill on freedom of assembly and demonstration. It is a parliamentary initiative of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), which wants to put an end to the repression of protests in Angola. In the bill, which DW had access to, UNITA proposes that the authorities can only prevent meetings or demonstrations “that take place in public places when they deviate from their purpose by the practice of acts contrary to law or morals”. The current law provides for more exceptions.
In addition, the bill confirms something already provided for in the law in force since 1991 – to make a protest, it is enough to notify the authorities in advance. Authorization is not required.
Even so, many protesters have been repressed, allegedly for lack of authorization.
“What we have been witnessing is that there is a tomb silence on the part of government authorities when they are notified in advance of the holding of demonstrations. They don’t say yes or no,” says political analyst Ilídio Manuel.
Misinterpretation of the law?
The controversy over the impediment of demonstrations has to do with the interpretation of the law, says Ilídio Manuel.
“Better than anyone else to interpret this law must be the National Assembly itself. I believe that what UNITA wants is precisely this, that what is on paper conforms, so that it can be observed on the ground”, he adds.
Several activists heard by DW doubt that UNITA’s diploma will be approved.
The executive director of the non-governmental organization OMUNGA, João Malavindele, argues, on the other hand, that it is necessary to involve more people in the discussion.
“This new law needs to clarify the relationship between protesters, organizers and authorities, because, often, organizers inform the authorities, but then the famous superior orders appear, which sometimes guide the non-holding of a demonstration” , it says.
Hold the State accountable
João Malavindele argues, for example, that a new law should provide for a clause to hold the State accountable whenever the right to demonstrate is violated.
“If the State felt even a little the weight of the atrocities that have been committed by public officials, it would oblige it to take cautious measures when faced with a request to demonstrate. When we say request it is not waiting for someone to authorize it, ”he opines.
The authorities demand that the promoters of the demonstrations present personal data, such as name, address of residences and even the profession they exercise. The vice-president of the Angolan Students Movement (MEA), Joaquim Lutambi, hopes that the new law will put an end to these obligations.
“The right to demonstrate is part of the so-called fundamental rights. So, we must uphold the law. Let’s hope that there is political elevation of parliamentarians and that they approve the bill”, he waits.
By Borralho Ndomba
#UNITA #law #stop #repression #protests #Angola