Opinion: William Tonet denounces restrictions on Mondlane trial
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Jornal F8
In an op-ed, William Tonet criticises restrictions imposed on media coverage of the trial of Mozambican opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, scheduled for 17 November 2026. The author says the Supreme Court’s decision to lift the freeze on Mondlane’s bank accounts highlights weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, according to Jornal F8.
In an op-ed published by Jornal F8, lawyer and editorialist William Tonet denounces the restrictions imposed on coverage of the trial of Venâncio Mondlane, Mozambique’s main opposition leader. A criminal division of the Supreme Court has limited publicity and the broadcasting of the hearing, scheduled for 17 November 2026, according to William Tonet.
The author believes that these restrictions, which he considers to lack a constitutional and legal basis, undermine press freedom. He also says that the Supreme Court lifted the freeze on Mondlane’s bank accounts after nearly two years, and that the decision recognised a violation of Article 82 of the Mozambican Constitution, which guarantees the right to property.
William Tonet argues that the use of the 2020 law on the extended forfeiture of property and asset recovery weakened the opposition leader’s finances after a disputed election. He also refers to Mondlane’s announced intention to bring proceedings from Lisbon against the Mozambican state to seek compensation, which he says could affect the country’s external financing.
Criticism of the broadcasting restrictions comes as preparations continue for the trial of Venâncio Mondlane, the postponement of which to 17 November was announced on 21 September. Banking restrictions targeting opponents had also been denounced by Mozambican NGOs on 9 October.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
