Tanzania Opposition Leader Charged with Terrorism After Deadly Post-Election Unrest
The development comes after President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the October 29 general election with 98 percent of the vote a result the opposition dismissed as a “sham"
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has announced that its vice-chairman, John Heche, has been charged with terrorism following days of post-election violence that reportedly left hundreds dead
According to the party, Heche who was arrested on October 22 was transferred from the capital, Dodoma, to the coastal Kinondoni region, where he was formally charged with “terrorism acts”
Chadema said Heche declined to record a police statement, opting to do so only after appearing in court. It remains unclear when his court appearance will take place
The development comes after President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the October 29 general election with 98 percent of the vote a result the opposition dismissed as a “sham”
Protests erupted nationwide on election day, with security forces reportedly killing scores of demonstrators amid an internet shutdown and transport blockade
Rights organizations have accused Tanzanian authorities of orchestrating a brutal crackdown on dissent before and after the election. Several opposition leaders were detained or barred from running, deepening fears over democratic backsliding
Chadema party leader Tundu Lissu is also facing treason charges, which carry the death penalty if convicted
The government has yet to comment on the charges against Heche or the reported death toll from the unrest
