Tanzania: Reports of hundreds of deaths and arrests as a result of deadly election violence

Tanzania: Reports of hundreds of deaths and arrests as a result of deadly election violence

Tanzanians took to the streets on October 29 against the re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in a protest that quickly escalated in violence and death.

Distressing reports have appeared about “families desperately searching for their loved ones everywhere, visiting one police station after another and one hospital after another”, the UN human rights chief Volker Türk said this on Tuesday.

Further reports suggest that security forces have transported the bodies of some of the dead to secret locations OHCHR.

‘Disturbing messages’

Mr Türk called for investigations into the killings and other human rights violations.

“I strongly urge the Tanzanian authorities to provide information on the fate and whereabouts of all missing personsand to hand over the bodies of the dead to their loved ones so that they can receive a dignified burial,” said Mr Türk.

“There are also disturbing reports that security forces have removed bodies from streets and hospitals and taken them to secret locations. in an apparent attempt to conceal evidence.”

Due to the unstable security situation and the post-election internet shutdown, the UN has not been able to verify the exact numbers of victims.

Some have been released, others are still in prison

The main opposition party, Chadema, said on social media that several senior opposition leaders detained during the protests had been released. Four were reportedly released on bail on Monday.

President Hassan was declared the winner after the elections with 98 percent of the votes.

According to information OHCHR has received, more than 150 people have been arrested since Election Day. Many of those arrested – including children – have reportedly been charged with treason.

Mr Türk called for the unconditional release of all opposition figures arrested before the general election and all others arbitrarily detained since then.

All detainees must be afforded the full range of due process rights guaranteed by international human rights law”, said Mr Turk.

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