Tanzania opposition leaders freed on bail

A supporter holds a Chadema flag in 2015

         Seven opposition leaders in Tanzania were freed on bail today following their arrest last week.

The Chadema party politicians are facing charges of sedition and incitement to violence and are scheduled to reappear in court on 16 April.

The charges are connected to a demonstration in Dar es Salaam in February which led to the death of a student, who was allegedly killed by a stray bullet while police were dispersing protesters.


As part of the bail conditions, the seven opposition politicians have to report to the central police station in Dar es Salaam every Friday.

Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe - who was among those arrested - told the media: "We used to think this country has a petty dictatorship but now this country has a full dictatorship. We'll talk and clarify more at the right time."

Critics of the government say it's part of an ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression in Tanzania.


#BBC