MWE Correspondent
The Ilemela District Court in Mwanza has ordered the release of 57 individuals who were previously facing treason charges following arrests during post-election unrest on October 29, 2025.
The ruling, handed down by Senior Resident Magistrate Stella Kiama at the Integrated Justice Centre in Buswelu, came after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided to withdraw the charges.
Senior State Attorney Safi Amani, representing the DPP, informed the court that prosecutors would no longer pursue treason charges against 57 of the 61 accused. The case, registered under number 26641/2025, was mentioned in court for the second time on Monday, November 24, 2025.
Magistrate Kiama ordered the immediate release of the accused, though under Tanzanian law, the charges could be reinstated in the future if new evidence emerges. Legal experts say this move is part of an effort to reassess cases linked to the post-election protests and ensure that young people who may have been wrongly implicated are not unjustly prosecuted.
The wave of releases comes amid heightened scrutiny of authorities’ handling of unrest, where hundreds were arrested across Mwanza and other regions. Observers note that this rollback of prosecutions reflects a balance between maintaining public order and protecting individual rights during politically sensitive periods.
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The development also underscores the crucial role of the DPP in Tanzania’s justice system, which oversees criminal prosecutions and has the authority to drop or reinstate charges. Civil society organizations have welcomed the decision, noting that it prevents prolonged detention without trial and promotes fair legal processes.
While the release of the 57 individuals marks a significant step toward easing post-election tensions, authorities caution that legal proceedings remain ongoing for other suspects involved in the unrest. The court’s ruling, therefore, reflects both legal prudence and political sensitivity, signaling a willingness to review cases while upholding the rule of law.
Community leaders and human rights advocates have praised the move, emphasizing the importance of justice, reconciliation, and social healing in the wake of political demonstrations.
