Supreme Court Bans Cameras and Audio at Mondlane Trial

The decision also prohibits the recording of images or audio during the hearings. Members of the public and journalists will, however, be allowed to attend the trial in person, while the media may produce written reports.

According to the Supreme Court, restricting audiovisual coverage does not remove the public nature of the proceedings, as the hearings will remain open within the physical capacity of the courtroom.

Among the reasons given is the need to protect witnesses from possible intimidation, threats or other forms of pressure after giving evidence.

The Court also argues that live broadcasting could allow witnesses who have not yet testified to follow earlier statements and potentially be influenced by what has already been presented in court.

Another concern relates to the possible instrumentalisation of the judicial process. The Supreme Court maintains that the trial should not be turned into a platform for propaganda or used for purposes unrelated to the administration of justice.

The institution also cited the need to protect judges from external pressure resulting from permanent media exposure and immediate public reaction to developments during the hearings.

The safety of witnesses, experts and other participants in the proceedings was also presented as one of the reasons for banning recordings and live broadcasts.

The Court further invoked the principle of the presumption of innocence, arguing that full live coverage could encourage premature public conclusions about the defendant’s guilt or innocence before a final ruling is issued.

The decision follows a request by Mondlane’s defence team for the proceedings to be broadcast live by national and international media outlets.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office has charged Mondlane with five offences, including public advocacy of crime, incitement to collective disobedience, public instigation to commit crimes and terrorism-related offences. Mondlane denies the charges.

The defence had also requested the postponement of the trial, which was initially scheduled for 6 October. The hearing was later rescheduled for 17 November 2026.

Under the Supreme Court’s decision, the trial will remain open to the public and the media, but cameras, microphones and live digital broadcasts will not be permitted.