Mozambique Supreme Court denies live broadcast of Venâncio Mondlane trial

The Supreme Court of Mozambique has rejected a request to live-stream the upcoming trial of politician Venâncio Mondlane. The court also prohibited the recording of sound and images during the proceedings, though it will allow media outlets to follow the trial through written reports.

Mondlane faces charges including public incitement to crime, incitement to disobedience, and incitement to terrorism related to post-election protests. The prosecution’s case reportedly relies heavily on social media live streams used to mobilize strikes and demonstrations. The trial is scheduled for November 17, 2026.

Court spokesperson Pedro Nhatitima stated that the decision aims to ensure the integrity of the process and protect the security of witnesses and experts. The court expressed concerns that live broadcasting could lead to witness intimidation, influence future testimonies, or create external pressures that disrupt the serenity of the judicial environment. Additionally, the court noted that live coverage could lead to premature public judgments, potentially compromising the presumption of innocence.