Police reforms group demands immediate release of Mwangi and Atuhaire held in Tanzania
PRWG-K demanded their immediate release and called for an independent investigation into their arrest, citing grave concerns over the violations of their rights.
The Police Reforms Working Group-Kenya (PRWG-K) has called for an independent investigation into the detention of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire in Tanzania.
In a statement, PRWG-K demanded their immediate release and called for an independent investigation into their arrest, citing grave concerns over the violations of their rights.
More To Read
- Tears and protests as Boniface Mwangi’s wife demands his release from Tanzania's custody
- Mudavadi confirms Boniface Mwangi is still in custody in Tanzania, disputes deportation claims
- Family says Boniface Mwangi has not returned to Kenya despite deportation claims
- Activists threaten to storm Tanzania embassy in Nairobi over Boniface Mwangi's detention
- Tanzania President Samia Suluhu given 24-hour ultimatum to release Boniface Mwangi
- Boniface Mwangi’s wife says Tanzanian authorities yet to decide her husband’s fate
This follows the detention of Mwangi and Atuhaire, who were in Tanzania to observe the ongoing court proceedings of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, an action the group maintains was neither unlawful nor a threat to public order.
The organisation said their arrest represents a significant breach of their rights as human rights defenders and journalists.
Violation of fundamental rights
"The arrest of Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire is a blatant violation of the fundamental rights of human rights defenders and journalists. It reflects a concerning trend of shrinking civic space, enforced disappearances, and abductions in East Africa,” stated the PRWG-K.
“We are deeply alarmed by reports that both defenders are being denied access to legal representation and communication with their families and consular services in clear violations of international human rights standards”.
PRWG-K reminded Tanzanian authorities that, as a member of the East African Community (EAC), Tanzania is bound by treaties guaranteeing free movement, freedom of expression, and human rights protection.
EAC Treaty
The group emphasised that the East African Community Treaty enshrines principles of democracy, the rule of law, and accountability, which all member states are expected to uphold.
Article 7 (2) binds Tanzania and all member states abide by the principles of good governance, including adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, social justice, and the maintenance of universally accepted standards of human rights.”
"The East African Community Treaty, through Article 6, affirms the principles of democracy, the rule of law, accountability, transparency, social justice, and the protection of human rights in accordance with the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. Furthermore, Article 7(2) binds Tanzania and all member states to abide by the principles of good governance, including adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, social justice, and the maintenance of universally accepted standards of human rights,” stated the Organisation.
PRWG-K called for the immediate and unconditional release of the two activists, stressing the need for full respect for their rights, including the ability to communicate freely with legal counsel, family, and consular representatives.
Independent investigation
The organisation also demanded an independent investigation into their arrest and other similar incidents, insisting that the harassment of human rights defenders must not be normalised.
PRWG-K also urged the Tanzanian government to adhere to its domestic and international obligations under the East African Community Treaty and various human rights frameworks.
“We urge the Tanzanian government to honour its domestic and international obligations.”
Top Stories Today
