Tanzanian police have arrested 130 people accused of promoting criminal activities, saying the suspects were detained during investigations into alleged plans to incite violence through social media and local gatherings.
The arrests come amid heightened political tensions after Tanzania suspended all political rallies in late June, effectively cancelling planned July 7 demonstrations that had been organised to demand democratic reforms and justice for victims of last year's election violence. The demonstrations did not take place after security forces maintained a heavy presence in several areas.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Tanzania Police said those arrested were picked up in different regions as part of ongoing investigations into what authorities described as coordinated efforts to organise unlawful activities.
According to police, the suspects were involved in mobilising people to engage in acts of violence, including attacks on public infrastructure, destruction of property and assaults targeting security personnel and politicians. Police added that investigations were nearing completion and that security agencies were pursuing additional suspects.
“Following surveillance, a total of 130 suspects who were planning, participating in local meetings, preparing and distributing information to promote these unacceptable criminal acts have been arrested in various regions of the country. Investigations are being completed so that further legal action can follow,” the police force said.
Authorities also urged the public to refrain from sharing online messages that promote violence or whose origins cannot be verified.
“We continue to call on all people to consider the proper use of social media by avoiding participating in the preparation and dissemination of information that encourages criminal acts or distributing information that you are using and that you are not sure about or know its source,” police said.
The latest arrests come amid heightened political tensions following the government's decision to ban political rallies on June 26, a move critics said curtailed opposition mobilisation ahead of the planned protests. The directive was issued by Home Affairs Minister Patrobas Katambi, who also announced that no permits would be issued for political rallies and that security operations would be heightened nationwide.
The arrests also come against the backdrop of growing concerns over political freedoms and human rights in Tanzania. A government-appointed commission of inquiry reported in April that at least 518 people were killed in October during election-related violence last year, while rights groups have accused authorities of intensifying restrictions on civic space and cracking down on dissent.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google