Prison riot in the country: 1,534 inmates escaped, 33 people died! Turkish Airlines canceled flights

Turmoil continues in the streets of Mozambique following the controversial presidential election won by Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the Liberation Front of Mozambique (FRELIMO). A riot broke out at a prison during protests in the capital, Maputo.

Police Chief Bernardino Rafael stated in a press conference that the riot was triggered by anti-government protests outside the prison. Rafael reported that 1,534 inmates escaped, 33 people lost their lives in clashes with guards outside the prison, and 15 others were injured.

Rafael later added that 150 inmates had been recaptured. Stating that there were escape attempts at two other prisons, Rafael said, "As Mozambicans and security forces, we are concerned. We expect an increase in crime rates over the next 48 hours."

It was learned that the inmates neutralized the guards, seized their AK-47 rifles, and managed to escape from the prison.

Election results stirred the streets

In the presidential election held in Mozambique on October 9, the ruling party's candidate Daniel Chapo won. Chapo came in first with 65 percent of the vote, while his rival Mondlane received 24 percent. Since the elections were held, Mondlane's supporters have been protesting the results, alleging fraud.

While 21 people lost their lives in violent incidents on Monday and Tuesday, the death toll since October 21 had risen to 151.

Turkish Airlines canceled flights to the capital of Mozambique

Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines (THY) flights to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, scheduled for today have been canceled.

In a statement from the THY Press Office, it was stated, "Due to the political unrest in Maputo (Mozambique), our following connecting flights dated December 26 have been canceled in both directions."

The statement noted that the scheduled flights "TK 38 Johannesburg-Maputo" and "TK 39 Maputo-Johannesburg" could not be operated.

News Source: İHA