Amnesty International calls for unconditional release of Tanzanians arrested during protest

LONDON, England

Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all Tanzanians who were arrested for protesting on election day.

In a statement, the lobby urged the Tanzanian government to respect and protect the right to peaceful assembly and release all individuals arrested solely for taking part in peaceful protests.

“Authorities must immediately refrain from suppressing protests and instead respect, protect, and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly. They must immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested solely for exercising their right to peaceful assembly,” said Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

The lobby condemned Tanzanian authorities over its termed as unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, and the ongoing suppression of protests following the 29 October general election.

The organisation said it was alarmed by reports of excessive force used by security forces during post-election protests, which have resulted in deaths and injuries.

“For close to a week now, many people in Tanzania have suffered nationwide internet and electricity shutdowns. Amnesty International is particularly alarmed by reports that amidst the blackouts, security forces have used excessive force to suppress and disperse ongoing post-election protests,” Chikwanda added.

The organization further criticised authorities for imposing a partial internet shutdown. It noted that this is the third such restriction in under a year, claiming that it was being used to silence dissenting voices and prevent the documentation of human rights violations.

Amnesty International also called for independent and transparent investigations into all reported killings by security forces.

The organisation demanded that those suspected of responsibility be brought to justice in fair trials and that victims and their families be granted access to justice and effective remedies.

 “The authorities must also allow both local and international media to freely report on the human rights situation in the country and refrain from restricting access to information, both online and offline, including by immediately restoring internet access and access to basic public services.”