Tanzania charges dozens with treason over election protests

"Prosecutors in Tanzania have charged dozens of people with treason over a wave of deadly protests sparked by a disputed election. At least 76 people were accused of intending to obstruct the October 29 election, The Associated Press news agency reported on Friday, citing the charge sheet. list of 3 itemsend of list The Reuters news agency reported that at least 145 people were charged with treason for alleged involvement in the protests, citing court documents."

"In addition to treason, the suspects also face criminal conspiracy charges, The AP reported. Specific charges were only outlined against one person, a businesswoman who prosecutors allege encouraged protesters to buy tear-gas masks from her business during the demonstrations. Human rights activists and the main opposition party Chadema said security forces killed more than 1,000 people during the protests. The government rejects the figure, but has not offered its own death toll."

"President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was sworn in on Monday, won with almost 98 percent of the vote, in an election that the African Union (AU) said failed to adhere to democratic standards. The AU's monitoring arm cited ballot stuffing, the government-imposed internet blackout, allegations of excessive military force and politically motivated abductions as actions compromising election integrity. The two leading opposition candidates were controversially barred from competing in the vote, with the Chadema leader Tundu Lissu still in prison on treason charges"

Tanzanian prosecutors charged dozens with treason and criminal conspiracy after deadly protests following the disputed October 29 election. Reports cite at least 76 accused of obstructing the vote and Reuters cites 145 charged over protest involvement. One businesswoman is accused of encouraging protesters to buy tear-gas masks. Human rights groups and opposition party Chadema say security forces killed more than 1,000 people; the government rejects that figure and offers no alternative toll. President Samia Suluhu Hassan won almost 98% and was sworn in. The African Union said the vote failed democratic standards, citing ballot stuffing, an internet blackout, excessive force, and politically motivated abductions. Religious leaders urged reconciliation; Bishop Benson Bagonza warned the charges would deepen tensions.

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