Tanzania frees opposition leaders following deadly election protests

"Despite the releases, opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains behind bars, while hundreds have been charged with treason and other crimes. Police in Tanzania have released several senior opposition leaders detained following the deadly protests that followed last month's disputed elections, according to the main opposition party, Chadema. Four senior Chadema officials arrested last week for their alleged role in the protests were released on bail on Monday, the party said on social media."

"The unrest came when authorities cracked down on demonstrations against the re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was declared the winner of the disputed election with nearly 98 percent of the vote. Chadema vice chairman John Heche and deputy secretary-general Amani Golugwa were among those released. Heche was arrested on October 22 and questioned on suspicion of terrorism, according to his lawyer. Golugwa had been arrested over the weekend."

"Alongside the detainment of the Chadema officials, prosecutors charged at least 145 people suspected of involvement in the countrywide protests with treason. More than 170 others have been charged with other protest-related offences. Chadema leader Tundu Lissu was charged with treason in April and remains behind bars. His exclusion from the October 29 presidential ballot was a major trigger of the protests, which have plunged Tanzania into its biggest political crisis in decades."

Police in Tanzania released several senior Chadema opposition leaders on bail after arrests linked to deadly post-election protests. John Heche, Amani Golugwa, Godbless Lema and Boniface Jacob were among those freed, while there was no immediate government announcement. At least 145 people were charged with treason and more than 170 faced other protest-related offences. Chadema leader Tundu Lissu remains in custody after a treason charge in April and his exclusion from the October 29 ballot helped trigger the unrest. Security forces have been accused by opposition groups and rights activists of killing over 1,000 people during the protests. The Catholic Church condemned the killings as a disgrace before God.

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