Legal Practices and Strategies in Combating Terrorism in Mozambique: Perspectives of the Magistrates

• In Event: Crime, Science and Politics WG Panel 9: Law, Security, and the Politics of Crime

Abstract

Terrorism constitutes a violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, disrespecting the primary principle of human dignity. The qualitative study seeks to analyze magistrates' perspective on the practices adopted in the fight against terrorism that prevails in northern Mozambique. 10 participants (magistrates) aged between 30 and 55 years were interviewed. Participants described terrorism as a violent crime that affects both civilians and military personnel, generating displacement in mass, retraction of investments, and the need to adapt laws. Combat strategies highlighted include the intervention of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique the use of drones, the continuous training of magistrates and FDS, and programs of deradicalization. Furthermore, participants highlighted the role of criminal law in combating terrorism, warning of the risk of excessive punishments and violations of human rights, as well as the difficulty in consensually defining terrorism at an international level, given its nature transnational and ideological. The implications of this study highlight the importance of a balance between security measures and the protection of human rights in the fight against terrorism, highlighting that the retraction of investment and the slowdown of the national economy are consequences of terrorism in Mozambique.

Keywords:Terrorism, Criminal Law, Mozambique, Magistrates, Legal Strategies.


Licínio Zithaª, Rui Abrunhosa Gonçalvesª, and Sónia Caridadeª
ªPsychology Research Centre, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
Correspondence concerning this abstract should be addressed to: Licínio Zitha, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
E-mail address: id9647@alunos.uminho.pt

Authors

• Licinio Zacarias Zitha, Psychology Research Centre, University of Minho, Portugal

• Sõnia Maria Martins Caridade, Escola de Psicologia da Universidade do Minho

• Rui Abrunhosa Gonçalves, Universidade do Minho