Uganda asked Tanzania to let diplomats visit jailed reporter Agather Atuhaire. Ambassador Fred Mwesigye sent official papers on May 22 requesting permission to see the journalist. Atuhaire sits locked up at Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam. Uganda wants to know why Tanzania arrested her and when she can go home. The government hopes to bring its citizens back safely.
Atuhaire came to Tanzania for court hearings involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Police grabbed her and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi at the same time. Tanzania forced Mwangi across the border back to Kenya after his government complained. Rights groups say both countries are angry about how Tanzania treats activists. Civil society leaders across East Africa criticize the arrests.
Tanzania officials refuse to explain why they locked up the journalist. The government stays quiet about the legal reasons for holding Atuhaire. Activists say Tanzania breaks international rules about treating foreign visitors—countries around the region demand that Tanzania follow proper laws. East African cooperation suffers when governments arrest peaceful activists.
Atuhaire came to Tanzania for court hearings involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Police grabbed her and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi at the same time. Tanzania forced Mwangi across the border back to Kenya after his government complained. Rights groups say both countries are angry about how Tanzania treats activists. Civil society leaders across East Africa criticize the arrests.
Tanzania officials refuse to explain why they locked up the journalist. The government stays quiet about the legal reasons for holding Atuhaire. Activists say Tanzania breaks international rules about treating foreign visitors—countries around the region demand that Tanzania follow proper laws. East African cooperation suffers when governments arrest peaceful activists.
