Over 300 Tanzanians face treason charges as Chadema denies holding talks with Samia's gov't
According to court records, nearly 340 people have been detained across seven towns, with the largest numbers in Dar es Salaam and Iringa.
Opposition party Chadema has rejected claims that it is holding discussions with the government led by President Samia Suluhu, even as the authorities press charges against hundreds of Tanzanians for treason.
The arrests come in the wake of violent protests following last month’s disputed elections and involve politicians, online influencers, community figures, ordinary citizens, and even children as young as thirteen.
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According to court records, nearly 340 people have been detained across seven towns, with the largest numbers in Dar es Salaam and Iringa.
Of these, 302 are facing treason charges, the gravest offence in Tanzania, which can carry the death penalty. Under the law, a person commits treason if they attempt to kill the president or wage war against the country, whether inside or outside national borders.
Those charged include politicians, business owners, local celebrities, farmers, and social media personalities.
Among them is Jenifer Jovin, popularly known as Niffer, who allegedly encouraged protesters to buy gas masks to shield themselves from police tear gas.
Other content creators facing prosecution include Mika Chavala, Ms_Walterss, Ruthmelda Silaa (known online as strong_income), and detha_obven.
The Tanganyika Law Society is offering free legal aid to those arrested, as courts begin handling cases stemming from the post-election unrest.
Meanwhile, the government’s crackdown continues, showing a firm stance against anyone believed to have participated in the protests.
Chadema’s deputy leader, John Heche, who was detained and later released alongside other opposition figures, said the party remains committed to justice for those affected by state actions.
“Kama tulivyokamatwa ndivyo tulivyoachiliwa, hakuna mazungumzo tuliyofanywa na mtu yeyote, hatuna makubaliano tulioachiliwa nayo, bado tunaamini sisi ni watu innocent, na tunataka watu wote walioshikwa kinyume na utaratibu waachiwe waende kwa familia zao,” he stated.
This loosely translates to "As we were arrested, so were we released; no discussions were held with anyone, and we have not reached any agreements regarding our release. We still believe we are innocent, and we want all those who were detained unlawfully to be released and returned to their families."
The political developments coincided with the opening of Tanzania’s 13th parliament in Dodoma, where MPs conducted the first session of the new term.
Activities included the reading of the presidential proclamation summoning parliament, swearing in of all MPs, election of Mussa Azzan Zungu as speaker, confirmation of the prime minister’s appointment, and selection of the deputy speaker.
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