The Portuguese association Propública has posthumously awarded the Nelson Mandela Prize to Mozambican lawyer Elvino Dias, who was murdered on October 18, 2024, in Maputo city center. The same crime killed political activist Paulo Guambe.

According to a publication by the Association, the award aims to show solidarity with lawyers at risk, as well as to launch an appeal for justice to the Mozambican authorities to clarify the case.

"Elvino Dias' voice has fallen silent, but his example of courage, independence and integrity will continue to inspire lawyers in Mozambique and around the world. With this award, ProPública wants to show its solidarity with Mozambican lawyers and their Bar Association, which has never hesitated in defending the independence and safety of its members, having been an assistant in the ongoing criminal proceedings. Likewise, ProPública urges the Mozambican authorities, and in particular the Attorney General of the Republic, to take steps to identify the material and moral perpetrators of this outrageous crime and to guarantee justice and freedom for the lawyers and their clients, victims of threats, violence and intimidation," reads a publication by the Association.

Referring to him as the "People's Lawyer" - as he became known in Mozambique - Propública explains that the distinction is in line with the celebration of Portuguese Lawyers' Day on the 19th.

The prize, worth €10,000 (ten thousand euros, around 700,000 meticais), will be awarded on July 18, Nelson Mandela International Day, which commemorates the date of his birth.