Tanzania: Authorities Must Investigate Police Use of Force Against Election Day Protesters

As Tanzania marked its general elections, protests calling for a boycott erupted across the country, leaving two people dead and several injured. Amnesty International, a human rights organization, has condemned the police use of force against peaceful protesters, urging the authorities to exercise restraint and refrain from using excessive force. The organization has also called for a thorough investigation into the incidents, emphasizing the need for accountability and respect for human rights before, during, and after the elections.

Key Takeaways:

• Amnesty International has expressed concern over the Tanzanian authorities' intensification of repression against opposition, journalists, civil society, and human rights defenders ahead of the elections.
• Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International's Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, has urged the police to exercise restraint and refrain from using unnecessary and excessive force against protesters.
• The organization has called for a prompt and independent investigation into the use of lethal force against protesters, with the perpetrators held accountable.
• A reported nationwide internet disruption in Tanzania threatens to further inflame the situation, and the authorities must ensure full internet access and allow local and international media to report freely on the election.
• Tundu Lissu from Chadema and Luhaga Mpina from ACT-Wazalendo were barred from standing as presidential candidates in the election.

Statistics:

• 2 people were killed during protests calling for a boycott of the general elections.
• Several others were injured during the protests.
• 1 general member of the public and 1 police officer were reportedly killed during election day protests.

Sources:

• Amnesty International, Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah.
• M2 PressWIRE, "Tanzania: Authorities must investigate police use of force against election day protesters".
• Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.