This archive report was first published on 1 September 2021.
On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, Tanzania's High Court made a significant ruling in the case of Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe, stating it has jurisdiction to hear his terrorism case.
The High Court Division of Corruption and Economic Sabotage, also known as the Corruption Tribunal, dismissed an objection filed by Mbowe and three colleagues, who alleged that the tribunal had no jurisdiction to hear terrorism cases.
According to Judge Elinaza Luvanda, the objections filed by the defence were baseless.
Mbowe, the leader of Tanzania's main opposition party, and three others have been charged with six offences, including financing terrorist acts, raising money for terrorist acts, possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of police uniforms. Mbowe also faces two counts of conspiracy and financing terrorist acts.
Mbowe's supporters claim the case is politically motivated, while Chadema argues that Mbowe is not a terrorist and has been calling for his unconditional release.
The 59-year-old has been behind bars since July 21 when he was arrested along with three others in a night-time police raid just hours before they were to hold a public forum to demand a new constitution.
