Arusha Police Confirm Activist’s Detention as Malisa’s Account Clashes with Official Version
Tanzanian police confirmed the detention of activist Godlisten Elisante Malisa, though his account of the events contradicts the official police statement. Malisa claims he was not charged or investigated for criminal activity, despite police assertions of an ongoing investigation.
Why it matters
The discrepancy between official police reports and the accounts of activists raises concerns regarding civil liberties and the rule of law in the region.
Arusha – Police here confirmed Tuesday that human rights and social justice activist Godlisten Elisante Malisa was detained after arriving at the Tanzanian side of the Namanga border post on August 31, ending hours of uncertainty over his whereabouts.
In a statement published on September 1, Arusha Regional Police said Malisa and another person were arrested on the night of August 31 over “criminal allegations under investigation.” It said they were questioned and released on bail while other legal procedures were completed.
The announcement was the first official confirmation after Malisa’s lawyer, Dickson Matata, and his friend James Mbowe said he had been removed from Namanga and could not initially be located.
The police statement does not identify the second person, describe the allegations, cite a case or investigation number, or explain what further legal procedure is pending.
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