Amnesty Urges End to Mass Arrests of Govt Critics in Tanzania
Call for Halt on Mass Arrests and Arbitrary Detention
International human rights group Amnesty International has called on authorities in Tanzania to stop the “mass arrests and arbitrary detention” of government critics.
The intimidation of members of the political opposition has intensified in the run-up to local government elections in December and the general election next year. This has led to the arrests of prominent opposition figures, including leading members of Tanzania’s Party for Democracy and Progress, also known as Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema).
Recent Arrests and Detentions
On 11 August, Tanzanian police arrested and detained several leading figures from Chadema, including former presidential candidate Tundu Lissu.
Furthermore, more than a hundred youth supporters were arrested, as well as five journalists, for violating a ban on the holding of a youth conference.
Amnesty’s Call for Action
Amnesty International has urged the Tanzanian authorities to take immediate action to address this escalating human rights crisis. The group has called for the immediate release of all individuals arrested and detained for exercising their rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
Conclusion
The ongoing mass arrests and detention of government critics in Tanzania are a cause for concern. It is essential for the Tanzanian authorities to take immediate action to address this escalating human rights crisis and ensure the release of all individuals arrested and detained for exercising their rights.
FAQs
Q: Who is the target of these mass arrests?
A: The targets of these mass arrests are primarily government critics, including members of the political opposition, youth supporters, and journalists.
Q: Why are these individuals being arrested?
A: They are being arrested for exercising their rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
Q: What is Amnesty International doing to address this issue?
A: Amnesty International has called on the Tanzanian authorities to halt the mass arrests and arbitrary detention of government critics and has urged them to take immediate action to address this escalating human rights crisis.
