THE Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has condemned the Tanzanian Police Force for the brutal arrest of Boniface Jacob, the Former Mayor for Ubungo in Dar es Salaam. The arrest took place today, involving more than 10 policemen, who threw him into their vehicle after stripping him naked in public.
The arrest of Boniface, who has recently branded himself as “the voice of the silenced majority,” is another move in the government’s attempt to silence criticism and opposition at the peak of one of its most unpopular moments, two months before this year’s civic elections and one year before general elections.
Yesterday, President Samia Suluhu warned opposition parties and critics that the same reppressive laws that had silenced them a few years ago, were still in place, and that her silence should never be taken for granted.
The opposition is organising a demonstration scheduled for 23rd September 2024, calling for the government action to end the acts of kidnapping and killing civilians.
The president went on to lambast foreign diplomats who had issued strong statements following a series of arbitrary abductions and killings allegedly committed by rogue elements in the security organs. But she ordered the same organs to deal with any person pointing fingers at police in this regard.
Of late, Jacob has been using his X/Twitter account to address these matters by naming and shaming some police officers implicated in the heinous acts. Due to the manner in which he was arrested, and following similar events in recent weeks whereby the arrested people have eventually been found dead, public outcry had it that Jacob had been abducted.
At first, when the media called police to enquire about his whereabouts, the authorities denied any knowledge or involvement in such action. But after social media outcry about the matter, the same police later issued a statement emphasising that they had “arrested,” not “abducted” him. The charges he faces are not known yet.
Following his arrest, LHRC Executive Director Dr. Hanna Henga issued the following statement in Kiswahili:
The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) is shocked and disheartened by reports of the arrest of former Ubungo Mayor, Mr. Boniface Jacob.
Mr. Jacob was arrested today, September 18, 2024, in the Sinza area of Dar es Salaam. According to information we received from eyewitnesses and Mr. Jacob’s lawyers, the manner in which the arrest was conducted did not follow all legal procedures, causing concern.
This is part of a growing trend of arrests that do not follow proper legal procedures, with authorities failing to provide detailed explanations when such incidents occur.
The arrest of Mr. Jacob is part of a series of events involving intimidation, disappearances, and repression directed towards human rights activists, particularly those using social media to question and criticize state authorities.
Tanzania is a democratic country where every citizen has the right to live peacefully and express themselves without fear. Arbitrary arrests and kidnappings of human rights defenders indicate a weakening in the adherence to the rule of law in the country.
This situation violates fundamental rights outlined in the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, including the right to life, the right to protection, and the freedom of expression.
The crackdown on human rights defenders is a clear violation of the Constitution, international treaties, and human rights. It is crucial for the government and relevant authorities to take strong action to ensure that justice, equality, and democracy are upheld for the benefit of the entire society.
LHRC calls upon the security forces to:
- Clarify the charges against Mr. Jacob and ensure that the investigation is conducted transparently, with the law being followed.
- Ensure that the law and proper procedures are observed during the arrest process to reduce public anxiety.
Reports of abductions allegedly carried out by individuals posing as police officers have been increasing. Our laws clearly outline the correct procedures for arrest and presenting suspects before legal authorities.
LHRC will continue to closely monitor the safety of Mr. Boniface Jacob to ensure that justice is served and the law is followed.
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Jacob’s party, CHADEMA, issued a statement condemning his arrest and calling for his unconditional release.
