Tanzanian opposition leaders released after mass arrests

Tanzanian security forces have announced the release of several members of the opposition party, Chadema and hundreds of their supporters.

It comes after they were arrested during a banned youth meeting in the southwest of the country.

Human rights organisations have criticised the arrests, with Amnesty International saying, opens new tab they were part of efforts to intimidate the opposition in the run-up to local government elections later this year and a national election in 2025.

CHADEMA spokesperson John Mrema confirmed the party’s top leadership had been released but said there were reports some youth-wing supporters in Mbeya were yet to be freed.