Tanzania’s Opposition Politician Attacks Police State

Leader of Tanzanian opposition party Chadema Freeman Mbowe has described the country as a police state following his release from jail earlier this month.

Addressing the press Mbowe attacked the climate of fear in the country, telling those gathered, "This country has become a real police state."

"Fear has gripped the country... people don't dare speak out, freedom of the press no longer exists," he continued.

Mbowe was detained for three months and faces charges of sedition, incitement to violence and holding an illegal rally. He was detained alongside Chadema MP Esther Matiko. The pair were jailed in November 2018 after they failed to attend a court hearing. Mbowe claimed to have been taken ill, while Matiko said she had been travelling at the time.

Speaking on the case High Court Judge Sam Rumanyika stated, "I have never seen such a case in all my time as a judge." The judge warned against denying bail without valid reasons.

A further seven Chadema members also face charges.