This archive report was first published on 23 October 2021.
October 23, 2021
Freeman Mbowe, the chairman of Tanzania's main opposition party Chadema, is facing terrorism charges that have been marred by controversy.
His trial has been put on hold after a second judge, Mustapha Siyani, withdrew from the case, citing his new appointment as Principal Judge of the High Court.
Judge Siyani's decision comes just a month after he took over the case from Judge Elinaza Luvanda, who had recused himself after Mbowe expressed distrust in his ability to dispense fair justice.
Chadema secretary general John Mnyika questioned Judge Siyani's decision, suggesting that it was motivated by a guilty conscience over a recent ruling in favour of the prosecution.
The trial has been described as 'politically motivated' by pro-democracy defenders, with Mbowe facing charges of conspiring to commit terrorist acts and economic sabotage.
The case has been ongoing since August 31 at the High Court's Corruption and Economic Crimes Division in Dar es Salaam, with Mbowe and his co-accused still in custody.
