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Tanzania’s main opposition party has said 51 of its officials have been arrested and charged with terrorism, accusing the government of targeting political opponents.
The opposition party, Chadema, made the claim, saying the officials were arrested over planned protests on July 7 that never took place because of a heavy police presence.
Chadema Deputy Chairperson John Heche said the charges were part of efforts to intimidate critics of the government.
“I urge all Tanzanians to unite and speak out against blackmail and intimidation,” Heche said.
Heche also said Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu is facing the same terrorism charges and has been denied basic rights. He noted that terrorism charges in Tanzania are not eligible for bail and can carry prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.
The planned protests were intended to demand democratic reforms following the disputed October general election, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 98% of the vote.
On Thursday, a university lecturer also had his charges upgraded from incitement to terrorism ahead of a scheduled bail hearing.
Heche said the party’s legal team would defend all the arrested officials and urged supporters to assist their families.
The Tanzanian government has not commented on the latest arrests but has previously denied allegations of political repression.
In June, authorities banned all political rallies, citing security concerns without saying when the restriction would end. The October election was followed by protests across the country.
While the government said about 500 people were killed, the opposition claimed the death toll ran into the thousands.
