London — The London-based human rights organisation Amnesty International on Tuesday urged the Mozambican police not to use live ammunition to disperse violent demonstrations unless lives are at risk.

Amnesty's Muluka-Anne Miti explained, "while we recognise that the police are trying to contain a violent protest, live ammunition - which amounts to lethal force - should not be used except when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life".

During the riots last week, in Maputo and the neighbouring city of Matola, thirteen people died and at least 150 people were injured.

At the time police spokesperson Pedro Cossa stated that the police only used rubber bullets and tear gas, and did not resort to live ammunition. However, when briefing reporters on the death toll, Health Minister Ivo Garrido publicly acknowledged that some of the fatalities were caused by gunshot wounds.

According to Amnesty International, "International standards require an effective investigation be carried out into all cases of death or serious injury as a result of the use of force or firearms by the police".