Amsterdam & Partners LLP to represent Tanzania opposition leader in terrorism case

By Our Correspondent, DAR ES SALAAM Tanzania

The Tanzanian opposition chief and chairman of the main opposition party (Chadema), Freeman Mbowe, who was arrested in night-time police raid last July, will be represented by international lawyer Robert Amsterdam, founding partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP, in coordination with the local defense counsels in the ongoing terrorism case locally and internationally.

According to a press release issued today by the London and Washington DC based law-firm, the international lawyer will work closely with Tanzanian lawyers representing Mbowe who is charged with terrorism financing and conspiracy in a case that has triggered concern among rights groups and Western nations about the state of democracy under Tanzania's new President Samia Hassan.

The arrest of Mbowe and several others took place at approximately 2:30AM in a hotel in the north-western port city of Mwanza the night before the Chadema chairman was going to host a public forum on constitutional reform, according to media reports.

He was held in an undisclosed location beyond the reach of counsel for weeks and allegedly subjected to torture, before appearing in court for the first time on Friday, August 6, on trumped up charges of terrorism finance, says Amsterdam.

“We condemn the brazenly criminal conduct of the regime of President Samia Suluhu Hassan with these politically motivated charges against Mbowe.” Says Amsterdam. “As we’ve already seen a judge recusal and direct comments by the President interfering in the case and tainting prospects of fair trial, it is abundantly clear to the international community that this is an authoritarian farce, not a judicial process.”

Amsterdam says that his firm will work closely with Mbowe’s local defense counsel, Peter Kibatala and John Mallya, to issue filings before a variety of international bodies.

“We will ensure there are consequences for the Hassan regime for this egregious violation of Tanzania’s international commitments, while seeking accountability to all public servants who make themselves complicit in the government’s unlawful conduct.” Said the lawyer.

Amsterdam & Partners LLP also represents Tundu Lissu, the vice chairman of the same party who competed in the 2020 presidential elections, among other opposition figures in the region such as Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) in Uganda.

Amsterdam & Partners LLP is based in London and Washington DC.