Tanzanian authorities have released four opposition leaders who had been detained in connection with the violent election protests that rocked the country in October.
Among those freed on bail was John Heche, the vice-chairperson of the main opposition party CHADEMA, who had been in custody since October 22. According to his lawyer, Heche was being investigated on terrorism-related charges before his release.
The arrests were linked to the widespread protests that erupted on the eve of Tanzania’s general election, which President Samia Suluhu Hassan won with an overwhelming 98% of the vote. Independent observers have described the unrest as one of the most serious political crises in the nation’s recent history.
CHADEMA has alleged that up to 1,000 people were killed by security forces during the demonstrations a figure that has not been confirmed by government officials. In her inauguration speech, President Hassan acknowledged that lives were lost but did not commit to launching a formal investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have charged at least 145 individuals with treason over their alleged roles in the unrest, underscoring the government’s hardline stance toward the post-election turmoil.
Tanzania’s opposition has welcomed the release of the four leaders but continues to call for independent investigations and political reforms to prevent further violence and repression.
