Statement from the Council of Imams after the Police Force Arrested CHADEMA Leaders including the Chairman of the Democratic Party CHADEMA

Freeman Mbowe Chairman of the Party for Democracy and Development (CHADEMA)

COUNCIL OF IMAMS IN TANZANIA

OUR STATEMENT TO FOLLOW THE POLICE IN THE COUNTRY TO ARREST CHADEMA LEADERS

The Council of Imams in Tanzania we have closely followed the incident of the Police Force arresting the leaders of the Party for Democracy and Development CHADEMA. We are convinced that the incident is a repression of Democracy and human rights.

We have received this event with great sadness.

The arrest of the CHADEMA leaders and some of the members, occurred shortly before the date of the Constitutional Conference organized by the Party for Democracy and Development (CHADEMA), to be held in Mwanza City Tourist Hotel.

The arrest of these leaders is a clear indication that the Police Force in the country is continuing the sabotage against the people as the right to assemble and comment is a constitutional right. And to continue to prevent Tanzanians from exercising their right is to violate the Constitution.

The Tanzania Council of Imams calls on the Tanzania Police Force to release all CHADEMA leaders and their members unconditionally.

We also further advise state agencies including the Tanzania Police Force, not to perpetuate acts of human rights violations and to suppress people's freedom of expression. Because these actions bring a bad image to our nation.

SECRETARY GENERAL

Council of Imams in Tanzania

Dated 23.07.2021

0656654546