Joseph Isangura
Authorities in Tanzania have released 18 individuals who had been facing treason-related accusations linked to unrest during the October 29, 2025 general election in Dodoma.
Their release follows a formal notice from state prosecutors indicating that the government would no longer pursue the charges.
The group was part of a larger pool of 83 people detained after security forces cracked down on demonstrations that erupted during the election period. According to court records, prosecutors informed the Resident Magistrate’s Court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had exercised his legal authority under Section 92(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act to discontinue proceedings. The court subsequently discharged the accused.
Despite regaining their freedom, the released individuals were ordered to report once every week to the Criminal Investigation Department — specifically the OC-CID office in Dodoma Municipality — every Monday at 8:30 a.m. for a six-month monitoring period. The court emphasized that any failure to comply would be treated as contempt and could trigger further legal consequences.
Their case is part of a broader shift unfolding within the justice system. In Dar es Salaam, the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court also released 47 other individuals who had been facing treason accusations in two separate files. One of the cases initially involved 13 suspects, later reduced to 11 after two were discharged on November 25. The second case began with 38 suspects and was reduced to 36 following similar prosecutorial decisions. In both matters, the state declared that it no longer intended to continue with the charges.
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One of the lead defence attorneys, Paul Kisabo, who appeared alongside other advocates from a national legal network, told reporters that they welcomed the decision and the conditions imposed by the court. He noted that the weekly-reporting requirement was a reasonable compromise that allowed their clients to resume their lives while maintaining accountability. The defence team assisting the suspects included lawyers from the Tanganyika Law Society, who had argued for the charges to be dismissed, citing procedural concerns and insufficient evidence.
The developments come at a time when public discourse around criminal justice, elections, and civil liberties remains intense in Tanzania. Legal experts say the decision by prosecutors may signal a recalibration in how the state approaches cases arising from election-related tensions. Others view it as a step toward de-escalation following weeks of legal uncertainty for dozens of detainees.
Meanwhile, 65 additional suspects from the original group are scheduled to return to court on December 4, where the prosecution is expected to clarify whether it will continue with the remaining cases. The matter remains fluid, and many Tanzanians are watching closely to see whether the state’s change of course will extend to the final group.
For broader regional context, treason-related prosecutions tied to political unrest have been historically controversial in East Africa, with international legal experts often referencing frameworks such as the Rule of Law when evaluating transparency, fairness, and due-process standards in politically sensitive cases.
