Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced an official investigation into recent election-related unrest and called for leniency towards those arrested. The announcement follows opposition claims that the government violently suppressed historic protests and that hundreds may have died. Authorities have not released an official death toll.
Addressing parliament, President Hassan urged prosecutors to consider reducing or dropping charges, particularly for young people detained on treason charges. She stated that many may not have understood their actions. The president also called for political parties to meet and recommitted to a new constitution-making process.
The unrest, which involved young protesters, occurred in a tense political climate where the main opposition leaders were blocked from competing. President Hassan had initially been praised for allowing greater political freedoms. The upcoming investigations will examine reports of serious human rights violations during the period.
Addressing parliament, President Hassan urged prosecutors to consider reducing or dropping charges, particularly for young people detained on treason charges. She stated that many may not have understood their actions. The president also called for political parties to meet and recommitted to a new constitution-making process.
The unrest, which involved young protesters, occurred in a tense political climate where the main opposition leaders were blocked from competing. President Hassan had initially been praised for allowing greater political freedoms. The upcoming investigations will examine reports of serious human rights violations during the period.
