Tanzania arrests 130 over political rally ban

Tanzanian police have arrested 130 people for “inciting criminal acts” as part of efforts to implement a ban on political rallies, law enforcement officers said on Thursday.

The interior minister announced the ban on June 26. Before the ban, protesters had planned to gather on the July 7 public holiday to call for democratic reforms and justice for people killed in election unrest in 2025. Heavy security deployments prevented the protests from taking place.

Police said in a statement that they were working to track down other suspects. Authorities have not provided further details on the charges against those arrested.

A government-appointed commission of inquiry said in April that at least 518 people were killed in the election protests, which were driven by the exclusion of leading opposition candidates.

Tanzanian authorities have denied allegations by human rights groups that the security services used excessive force during the election unrest.

The ban on rallies is the latest in a series of restrictions on political activities in Tanzania. Opposition groups have accused the government of tightening its grip on political dissent.

The government has not responded to requests for comment on the arrests.

SOURCE: Reuters