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August 5, 2025 – Mozambique –
Amnesty Canada has issued an urgent call for investigation following the suspected poisoning of Mozambican journalist and commentator Selma Inocência, who for years has reported critically on governance, human rights, and corruption in the country. Earlier this July, Inocência experienced sudden illness symptoms consistent with poisoning, sparking concern from both local press groups and international watchdogs.
Amnesty International in Mozambique flagged the incident as alarming, given Inocência’s history of covering sensitive political topics in her segments on public radio, often exposing local wrongdoing and speaking truth to power. As such, human rights defenders stress that poisoning cannot be ruled out without a thorough, impartial inquiry. Amnesty Canada has written to Mozambique’s authorities, urging medical tests to confirm whether toxins were involved and demanding accountability for those who may wish to silence her voice.
Journalists and civil society organizations in Mozambique have echoed this call, pointing to broader patterns of threats against media professionals. Since 2023, multiple writers and broadcasters have reported harassment, legal suits, and even physical intimidation after raising questions about local governance or resource extraction projects. Inocência’s suspected poisoning intensifies fears about escalating forms of repression.
The activists demand that authorities access hospital records, interview hospital staff, protect Inocência from retaliation, and pursue criminal investigations if poisoning is confirmed. Amnesty’s urgent action also urges international observers and press freedom networks to monitor the case closely. The possibility of state or powerful actors targeting a journalist through chemical means raises serious concerns about press freedom and personal security.
Selma Inocência, a respected figure in Mozambican media, has long leveraged her platform for accountability and transparency. She has consistently worked to bring attention to marginalised communities and official missteps through her show and social media commentary.
Her suspected poisoning, if verified, would mark a drastic escalation in threats against critical journalists in Mozambique. Given the precedent of reprisals, the failure to investigate could embolden further attacks and deepen a culture of impunity. Human rights groups warn that in the absence of swift and transparent action, journalists and critics across the country may increasingly face covert forms of repression.
References –
https://amnesty.ca/urgent-actions/investigate-suspected-poisoning-of-journalist/
