Human rights and advocacy groups condemn political mass arrests

Dar es Salaam. Amnesty International, a global human rights organisation, has joined local groups in condemning the arrest of Chadema party leaders and supporters.

Various human rights organisations have criticised the Tanzanian Police Force for detaining Chadema leaders and journalists.

Those arrested include Chadema Chairman Freeman Mbowe, several journalists, and other party members.

They were detained on their way to Mbeya to participate in World Youth Day celebrations organised by the Chadema Youth Council (Bavicha).

The Police Force intervened and banned the event, claiming it posed a threat to peace and could lead to unrest.

In addition to Amnesty International, the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), the Tanzania Editors' Forum (TEF), and the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) have all condemned these actions.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 12, 2024, Amnesty International called on Tanzanian authorities to respect and uphold human rights as the country approaches local government elections this year and the general elections in 2025.

“The authorities must stop the illegal arrests of opposition politicians and lift restrictions on citizens' right to assemble,” the statement said.

Amnesty International also demanded the immediate release of all those detained, emphasizing that if anyone is guilty, the authorities must explain the reasons for their arrest and respect their rights.

TLS Statement

The Tanganyika Law Society also condemned the arrests of Chadema leaders, supporters, and journalists.

“The Police Force and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties have been slow to take legal action, especially when statements with criminal implications come from ruling party leaders,” the TLS statement said.

The TLS statement, signed by its president, Boniface Mwabukusi, referred to Articles 18 and 20(1) of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

The statement also noted that these rights are protected by international and regional treaties that Tanzania has ratified.

“TLS is disappointed by this violation of the Constitution and the ongoing arrests, which undermine President Samia Suluhu Hassan's efforts at reconciliation, resilience, reform, and rebuilding,” the statement reads in part.

The TLS urged the Police Force to respect the rule of law and focus on protecting citizens and their property, rather than interfering with political party activities, which are governed by the Political Parties Act.

“We call on the Police Force to immediately stop actions that suppress the right to assemble and express oneself, which is a violation of the Constitution and the laws of the country. The Police Force should protect these groups when they seek to exercise their constitutional rights and address any signs of criminal activity without preventing parties or civil groups from assembling,” the statement added.

The TLS also announced that it has directed a special committee of lawyers to assess the situation and take legal action against any officers involved in these actions, ensuring that public office powers are used properly.

TEF: Let's not return to the dark ages

The Tanzania Editors' Forum has called for the release of three journalists who were arrested outside Chadema’s offices in Mbeya. The journalists were waiting to interview party leaders when they were detained.

The TEF statement, issued by its chairman, Deodatus Balile, named the journalists as Ramadhan Hamis and Fadhili Kirundwa from Jambo TV, and Francis Simba, a cameraman from Chanzo TV.

Balile emphasised that Article 18 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (1977) guarantees the right to collect, process, and disseminate information.

The Media Services Act of 2016, as amended in 2023, also grants journalists the right to carry out their work.

“Journalists have a responsibility to inform the public about ongoing events, and they should not be arrested or punished for doing their job,” Balile said.

While TEF continues to communicate with leaders and various institutions, Balile urged law enforcement agencies to immediately and unconditionally release the journalists.

He emphasised that the journalists were simply doing their job and were not involved in any political activities.

“We condemn the arrests of journalists. These actions damage Tanzania’s reputation for protecting press freedom, which President Samia Suluhu Hassan has worked hard to rebuild since she took office in March 2021. We, the Tanzania Editors' Forum, do not want to see Tanzania return to the dark days of arbitrary arrests. We demand the immediate release of the arrested journalists,” said Balile.