Tanzania’s CHADEMA party accuses prison authorities of alleged abuse of detainees
CHADEMA claimed that the reported treatment is more extreme than what Kaunya and his colleagues experienced while held at a police station before appearing in court.
Tanzania’s opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) has raised serious concerns over reports that Yohana Kaunya, former Secretary-General of the National Youth Council, and 29 other detainees, including minors, are being tortured and denied medical care while in custody at Bunda Prison, Mara Region.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the party said Kaunya’s health is deteriorating due to severe torture, including beatings, while under the custody of state authorities.
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CHADEMA claimed that the reported treatment is more extreme than what Kaunya and his colleagues experienced while held at a police station before appearing in court.
"Although the Bunda District Court directed that he and his injured colleagues be taken to the hospital for treatment, the accused have not been taken for medical care as ordered by the court," the statement read.
The party added that reliable reports indicate outsiders have repeatedly visited Bunda Prison to subject Kaunya and the 29 other detainees to harsh treatment.
"Among the 29 accused, there are children under 18 who are students, linked to the demonstrations that took place on the 29th in Bunda," the party stated.
Since their first court appearance, Kaunya and the other detainees have reportedly not been brought back to court, and no adequate explanation has been provided, CHADEMA said.
The party condemned the acts as blatant violations of both national and international law, citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Prisons Act, which obligates prison officers to ensure the safety and medical care of inmates while prohibiting torture and inhumane treatment.
"The Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, despite its shortcomings, in Article 13(6)(e), prohibits torture and the inhumane treatment of citizens. The Prisons Act (Cap. 58) also requires prison officers to ensure the safety of inmates, provide medical care when needed, and protect them from torture and unlawful punishment," the party stated.
CHADEMA described the alleged actions as “cruel, inhumane, and illegal” and called on the Prisons Service and all relevant authorities to immediately cease the abuse. The party demanded that Kaunya and the other detainees be taken to the hospital as ordered by the court and vowed to monitor the situation closely.
“In the event that these violations continue, we will take all legal measures against anyone involved in undermining human rights,” the statement concluded.
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