LHRC Condemns Human Rights Violations in Tanzania

The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) in Tanzania has called on law enforcement agencies and legal authorities to strictly adhere to the law when arresting individuals, ensuring that they are brought to court within the legally acceptable timeframe.

Speaking to the media in Dar es Salaam on Monday, October 21, 2024, LHRC Executive Director Dr. Anna Henga highlighted that as Africa commemorates Human Rights Day today, Tanzania has witnessed several incidents that point to human rights violations.

She mentioned that recent reports from the media and social networks have shown incidents suggesting breaches of human rights and good governance principles. As an example, she referred to the October 20, 2024, case involving Aisha Machano, the Secretary of Women’s Affairs for the Democracy and Development Party (BAWACHA), who was allegedly kidnapped, beaten, and abandoned in a forest.

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“According to her statement, Ms. Aisha said that on October 19, 2024, while at a bus stop in Kibiti, she was approached by six men and one woman who identified themselves as police officers and arrested her. She claims she was tortured, sexually assaulted, and eventually lost consciousness before being abandoned in the forest,” said Dr. Henga.

“When she regained consciousness, she found herself in Mwananyamala Referral Hospital with injuries on various parts of her body. This was confirmed by the Police Headquarters, which stated that they were investigating the incident,” Dr. Henga added.

LHRC has strongly condemned the unlawful arrests and mistreatment of innocent Tanzanians, especially women, stressing that such acts are unacceptable, particularly during this election period. They also noted that these actions violate international agreements to which Tanzania is a signatory.

The LHRC has urged law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible for such acts to ensure justice is served.