Tanzania’s main opposition party announced that its vice-chairman has been accused of terrorism, just days after the country experienced violent incidents following the election, with reports suggesting there may be hundreds of fatalities.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured victory in the October 29 election with 98 per cent of the ballots cast, as per the electoral commission; however, the opposition has labelled the election a “sham.”
On election day, violent demonstrations erupted throughout the nation.
In response, the government implemented a complete internet blackout and suspended transportation services, while the opposition claims that security forces have killed hundreds, although verifying this information remains challenging even with restrictions relaxing.
Chadema, the opposition party, shared on X late Tuesday that its vice-chairman John Heche, who was apprehended on October 22, has been charged with “acts of terrorism.”
They stated that police moved Heche from the capital, Dodoma, to the coastal Kinodoni region where he faced the allegations.
He declined to provide a statement but indicated he would “exercise that right immediately after being taken to court,” they added.
It is uncertain when he will make his court appearance.
Human rights organizations have characterized the government’s actions before the election as a severe crackdown on the opposition, leading to many leaders being imprisoned or disqualified from running.
Chadema leader Tundu Lissu is currently facing treason charges in court, which could result in the death penalty.
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