Tanzania: opposition leader Tundu Lissu arrested, released on bail after 14 hours in police custody
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Tanzania: opposition leader Tundu Lissu arrested, released on bail after 14 hours in police custody
In Summary
According to police, Lissu was arrested over what they termed as illegal assemblies and distracting the police from discharging their duties.
CHADEMA chairman Freeman Mbowe has condemned the arrests, accusing the Tanzanian government of dictatorship.
September 10, 2023: Tanzania's opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been arrested.
According to police, Lissu was arrested over what they termed as illegal assemblies and distracting the police from from discharging their duties.
Lissu was arrested alongside three other opposition politicians.
A statement by the Arusha Regional Police Commander Justine Masejo said they were taken in for questioning and more action will be taken against the four.
"Jeshi la Polisi Mkoa wa Arusha, linamshikilia makamu Mwenyekiti wa Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) Mhe: Tundu Lissu pamoja na wenzake watatu wa Chama hicho kwa ajili ya mahojiano Kuhusiana na tuhuma za kufanya mikusanyiko isiyohalali na kuwazuia Askari Polisi kutekeleza majukumu yao.
Baada ya mahojiano hayo na ukamilishwaji wa taratibu zingine, hatua nyingine za kisheria zitafuata," the statement seen by the Star reads.
It loosely translates to, "The Police in Arusha are holding the vice chairperson of CHADEMA, Tundu Lissu and three other members of the party for questioning over allegations of holding illegal assemblies and obstructing police from doing their duties. After questioning them and conclusion of other procedures other legal steps will follow."
CHADEMA said Lissu was arrested in Karatu District in Arusha region.
The other members were arrested at the party offices in Karatu and the offices closed by police.
CHADEMA chairman Freeman Mbowe has condemned the arrests, accusing the Tanzanian government of dictatorship.
UPDATE: Lissu and his team were later released on bail after spending about 14 hours in police custody.