Demands for post-poll justice as Tanzania accused of weaponising counterterrorism laws
Tanzania faces international criticism for allegedly using counterterrorism laws to suppress political opposition and silence critics. Amnesty International and opposition leaders claim the government is violating human rights, while authorities deny these accusations and maintain the election was fair.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing concerns regarding democratic backsliding and the misuse of security legislation to stifle political dissent in East Africa.
“We can no longer afford to pay hospital bills,” Meshack Sane, who was shot in the leg, told the BBC.
On the eve of the anniversary of the poll that saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan elected with 98% of the vote, rights group Amnesty International also accused her government of “weaponising counterterrorism laws to silence critics and instil fear”.
The opposition dismissed the result as a “mockery” of democracy as Samia’s two main challengers were excluded.
Tundu Lissu, the 58-year-old leader of the main opposition Chadema party, had been put on trial for treason ahead of the poll – preventing him from standing.
He had been demanding electoral reforms and a verdict in his case is due next week.
Earlier this week, Lissu went on a hunger strike as he was not being allowed access to his lawyers – an allegation the prison authorities denied.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Tanzanian Families Demand Justice and Medical Aid One Year After Election Violence
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