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    Freedom of speech under threat in Tanzania

    In Tanzania, criticising the President can lead to imprisonment, as authorities crack down on freedom of speech. Recent developments heighten significant concerns about Tanzania's commitment to democratic governance and human rights.
    Freedom of speech under threat in Tanzania
    © niyazz via 123RF

    In response to a court in Tanzania sentencing two opposition political leaders - Joseph Mbiliyini and Emmanuel Masonga - to five months' imprisonment for using insulting language against President John Magufuli, Washington’s Freedom House issued a statement condemning the move.

    “The jailing of opposition politicians for expressing their views on issues of public interest, such as political violence, highlights the Magufuli administration’s growing intolerance of peaceful and legitimate dissent and is aimed at intimidating critics of the government,” said Jon Temin, director of Africa programs.

    “At the same time, credible reports of the kidnapping, disappearance and murder of several political and human rights activists in recent months point to accelerating political violence. These developments together heighten already significant concerns about Tanzania’s commitment to democratic governance and human rights."

    Tanzania is rated 'Partly Free' in Freedom in the World 2018 and 'Partly Free' in Freedom of the Press 2017.

     

    Source: African Press Organisation

    APO is the sole press release wire in Africa, and the global leader in media relations related to Africa. With headquarters in Dakar, Senegal, APO owns a media database of over 150,000 contacts and the main Africa-related news online community.

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