Human rights NGO in Angola condemns attacks and intimidation of journalists

The Human Rights Watch Working Group (GTMDH) in Angola condemned this Friday the attack on the premises of the Union of Journalists of Angola (SJA) and classified the act as a “threat and a clear sign of intimidation” of journalists.

GTMDH, which is made up of 20 non-governmental organizations active in Angola, says it learned with greater dismay of the recent theft of computers and other electronics at the SJA headquarters in Luanda.

Non-governmental organizations point out that after the theft, the aforementioned funds were then “secretly” returned a few days later at the headquarters of the body, and cite this fact as evidence of the “danger” that threatens the lives of its employees.

As for GTMDH, in a rejection note released this Friday, they also believe that the situation calls for double physical integrity measures for SJA Secretary General, journalist Teixeira Candido and agency staff, and asks the Criminal Investigation Service (SIC) to investigate the case for subsequent prosecution. authors.

Last week, Teixeira Candido denounced the theft of computer equipment at his headquarters and threatening messages, saying they were attempts to intimidate and control the activities of journalists.

In an interview with Lusa, Teixeira Candido said that the CPU (central processing unit) of the union’s main computer disappeared, which was returned a few days later, without anyone noticing.

“They are gone and gone,” the union leader said, adding that a report was made to the SIC that same week.

Three days later, the journalist received an SMS from an unknown number containing veiled threats.

“Did you see the notice we left?” one message asked, while another warned Teixeira Candido to keep a close eye on what he ate and drank, as he could become a victim of poisoning.

“It seems that there is a plan to instill fear in journalists. Why? I have no explanation,” Candido said, stressing that the SJA is aware of two more cases where journalists whose homes were robbed at night in March were taken away with their computers, not yet knowing about the diligence of the authorities.

According to Teixeira Candido, robberies and questionable reporting may indicate attempts to obstruct, condition and illegally gain access to the activities of journalists.

At the same time, GTMDH also condemns the “aggression” against journalist José Honorio of the Angolan news agency Angop in Benguela, allegedly carried out by three agents of the national police.

According to the SJA, José Honorio was “violently attacked” on November 16 when he offered a “pedagogical approach” to national police agents who were interrogating “zungeiras” (street vendors) in Lobito, Benguela province.

A statement from the Benguela Provincial Police Department presented a different version of the facts, saying that José Honorio “violently and physically” tried to stop the police from confiscating goods that “vendors stubbornly sold on public roads.”

The Angolan police announced on November 27 that three of the nine agents involved in the arrest and attacks on the Angolan journalist were disciplined.

The GTMDH also calls on all national and foreign journalists accredited in the country to remain “calm and serene” and ensures that “these acts of intimidation will not interfere with the exercise of journalism in Angola and encourage professionals to denounce all harmful practices.”