Human Rights Group Accuses Angola Police Of Killing Protesters

Human Rights Watch (HRW), an international human rights organization, has accused the police in Angola of killing at least 15 anti- government protesters and committing other serious abuses since January 2023. 

According to HRW, the police and state security services have also arbitrarily arrested and detained hundreds of people, including social and political activists, outspoken artists, and peaceful protesters who criticized the government’s policies.

The Angolan government has faced protests and criticism after removing subsidies for petrol earlier this year. HRW conducted interviews with 32 individuals, including victims, witnesses, and security forces, in various parts of the country, including the capital Luanda, Cabinda, and Bié.

The organization alleges that the Angolan police have been targeting those who speak out against government actions, and it called on the authorities to put an end to abusive police practices and ensure justice for the victims.

The governing People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) denied HRW’s claims and stated that investigations were underway. The MPLA spokesman, Rui Falcao, expressed skepticism about the conclusions drawn by those calling for investigations.

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HRW’s findings raise concerns about human rights violations and abuse of power by security forces in Angola. 

The accusations highlight the need for transparency, accountability, and proper investigations into allegations of police misconduct and excessive use of force. However the probes or investigations are underway.

The Angolan police are responsible for maintaining law and order in Angola. They are a large and well-equipped force, but they have been accused of human rights abuses, including torture and extrajudicial killings. 

The ruling party MPLA has been in power in Angola since independence from Portugal in 1975. It is a socialist party with a history of corruption and repression, as per records.The opposition party UNITA fought a civil war against the MPLA from 1975 to 2002. It is now a democratic party that is reportedly committed to peaceful change.

(Note: Please note that the MPLA and UNITA parties, the situations and political dynamics in any country are generally complex and subject to change over time. The information shared above is based on records.)