This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
August 5, 2019, marked a tumultuous day for Tanzanian investigative journalist Erick Kabendera, as he was charged with 'economic crimes' a week after his arrest.
According to the charge sheet, Kabendera faces three charges: leading a criminal gang between January 2015 and June 2019, failing to pay tax totaling $75,000 between January 2015 and June 2019, and money laundering a sum of $75,000 between January 2015 and June 2019.
Notably, the charges against Kabendera have undergone a significant shift since his arrest. Initially, the police and immigration department stated that he was being investigated over his citizenship. However, his lawyers later revealed that he would be charged with sedition in connection to an article published in The Economist titled 'John Magufuli is bulldozing Tanzania's freedom.'
As the charges against Kabendera are considered too serious for him to be granted bail, he will remain in custody until his case is heard.
The manner of Kabendera's arrest and detention has raised concerns about media freedom in Tanzania, both locally and internationally.
