Tanzania’s opposition leader arrested over protests
By Sharon Tibenda
6th June 2011:
Freeman Mbowe: Is he now Tanzania's "Besigye"
The Tanzanian government has arrested the country’s main opposition leader. Mr. Freeman Mbowe, who is the leader of the opposition Party for Democracy and Development [CHADEMA] was arrested by police over his involvement in a protest earlier this year, the party’s Spokesperson Mabere Marando has said.
Mabere Marando said Mr. Mbowe was arrested at a police station following a court order issued over his involvement in a January 5th rally in the north eastern city of Arusha to protest against alleged electoral fraud in the country’s general election held in October 2010.
According to Marando, police formally arrested Mr. Mbowe and said he would be kept in police custody until he is produced in an Arusha court today, Monday 6th June. The Tanzanian government said the January 5th protest was illegal and that is why it charged Mr. Mbowe and 18 other opposition members with conspiracy to commit an offence, unlawful assembly, and rioting.
Mr. Mbowe failed to attend a scheduled court appearance on 27th May. On Thursday, Judge Charles Magesa urged Arusha police to execute the arrest warrant. However, the opposition said the move violates the independence of the Legislature and puts democracy in danger. “…Mr. Mbowe did not appear in front of the court because he was taking part in meetings of parliamentary commissions that started on May 23rd and are still ongoing”, the opposition said.
The opposition is demanding the immediate resignation of President Jakaya Kikwete whose Chama Cha Mapinduzi [CCM] party has been in power since 1961. Mr. Kikwete took office in December 2005. END. Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.
