By Our Reporter
More than 200 people have been charged with treason in Tanzania following unrest that erupted after the disputed October 29 presidential election. According to lawyers and judicial sources who spoke to AFP, those arraigned include hundreds of civilians linked to protests in Dar es Salaam, where violence broke out amid allegations of a rigged vote.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the election with 98 percent of the vote. However, major opposition parties were barred from participating and have dismissed the poll as a “sham”. The opposition also alleges that security forces violently suppressed demonstrations, resulting in what they claim were hundreds of deaths. Independent verification has been difficult, as the country experienced several days of internet shutdown during and after the vote.
On Friday, more than 250 people appeared before the court in Tanzania’s economic capital. Their lawyer, Peter Kibatala, said they were divided into three separate cases but faced the same charges.
“They’re all charged with two sets of offences,” Kibatala said. “The first is conspiracy to commit treason, and the second is treason itself.”
Judicial officials confirmed that at least 240 people had been formally charged, with more cases expected. Meanwhile, police are also reportedly seeking several opposition figures accused of organizing the unrest.
Rights groups have expressed concern that the sweeping treason charges, which carry severe penalties, could be used to silence dissent and consolidate political control following the controversial vote.