A video appearing to show police officers carrying out a “cold-blooded execution” in the streets of Angola’s capital Luanda has led to calls for an investigation by a human rights group.
The short video, which was shared on social media, shows a man lying on the road being approached by police.
A few seconds later, the sound of gunshots ring out – and then the camera settles on the man’s unmoving body.
Angola’s interior minister has admitted officers shot the man, allegedly part of a criminal gang they were chasing down, adding that disciplinary action was being taken.
But Human Rights Watch has pointed out it is unclear what form this disciplinary action will take, as it called for a proper investigation into the incident.
In a press release, the rights group’s Southern Africa director Dewa Mavhinga said: “Angolan police have a responsibility to fight crime within the confines of the law, and those who don’t should face punishment.
“The apparent cold-blooded execution of a suspect requires Angolan authorities to promptly and impartially investigate members of the criminal investigation unit and appropriately prosecute any wrongdoing.”
BBC
