Adriano Nuvunga convicted in the controversial "219 million case"

The Maputo City Court decided this Wednesday to sentence activist Adriano Nuvunga to six months in prison, convertible to a fine, in addition to ordering him to pay one million meticais as compensation for non-pecuniary damages. The sentence is part of the so-called "219 million Case," in which Nuvunga was found guilty of defamation and slander against the leader of the PODEMOS party, Albino Forquilha.

The conclusion of the proceedings occurred on June 3, 2026, after months of investigation and public allegations. In this context, the Criminal Section of the court determined that the accusations made by Adriano Nuvunga against Albino Forquilha lacked consistent factual support.

According to the prosecution, Nuvunga publicly stated in January 2025 that Forquilha had received a bribe of 219 million meticais to accept, without contestation, the results of the general elections of October 2024. However, during the investigation, the activist failed to present concrete evidence to support the allegation.

As a result, the court not only declared Nuvunga guilty of the crimes of slander and defamation, but also set compensation at one million meticais. This amount is intended to compensate Albino Forquilha for the moral and reputational damages that, according to the court decision, resulted directly from the activist's public statements.

Regarding the prison sentence, the six months' imprisonment were converted into a fine – meaning that Nuvunga will not be incarcerated, provided he pays the amount stipulated by law. On the other hand, the amount of compensation for non-pecuniary damages remains an independent obligation, payable immediately.

Immediately after the sentence was read, Adriano Nuvunga reacted ironically to the decision. In brief statements, the activist said he felt "doctored" by the process. Although he said he respected the court as an institution, he described the legal basis for the conviction as being of a "poor level". To date, the defense has not formally announced whether it will appeal the decision.