Tanzania opposition party leaders Freeman Mbowe and his deputy Tindu Lissu of CHADEMA PARTY along with other youth members have been apprehended at Mbeya where there was a planned political rally.
Opposition leaders had organized the rally to celebrate the national youth day.
The party leader Mbowe was arrested on Monday morning, a day after his deputy Tindu Lissu was taken together with hundreds of youths. Mbowe demanded for the release of all their members who were arrested.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all our leaders, members, and supporters who were arrested in various parts of the country. The party is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to inform the public of every development step by step”, Mbowe said on X
Police allege that the rally was likely to interfere with peace in the region as the youths from the opposition had planning to hold demonstrations.
The action has been condemned by human right activists. cases of force and assault by the police have been reported.
The country banned political rallies since President Samia Suluhu assumed office.
Its not the first time the opposition leaders are detained in Tanzania. In July 2021, Mbowe and other leaders were arrested before a rally whose agenda was to demand for constitutional reforms. They were later released as the charges were dropped by the court.
