Mozambique's legal structures are relics of Portuguese colonialism and often conflict with new statutes or the constitution. In many parts of the country, customary courts settle local grievances and occasionally order executions for alleged witchcraft. Brutality by the police and other security forces, including the presidential State Information and Security Service, has been reported. There is apparent impunity for official misconduct and broad disregard of constitutional protections. Many prison inmates are pretrial detainees who suffer under sometimes fatally appalling conditions.
Freedom of assembly is broadly guaranteed, but limited by notification and timing restrictions.
The constitution protects media freedom, but the state controls nearly all broadcast media and owns or influences all of the largest newspapers. Licenses were issued in July for more than a dozen private radio and television stations, which are nevertheless likely to join the private print media in exercising self-censorship. The opposition receives inadequate coverage in government media, especially national radio and television, which remain largely a Frelimo propaganda tool. The independent media have enjoyed moderate growth, but publications in Maputo have scant influence among the largely illiterate rural population. Criminal libel laws are another important deterrent to open expression.