On August 9, 2019, Britain and the United States urged Tanzania to guarantee due process of law for a journalist arrested on charges that his lawyer and rights groups called politically motivated.
Erick Kabendera, a 39-year-old investigative journalist, was charged with money laundering, tax evasion, and leading organised crime. He was arrested the previous week over issues concerning his citizenship.
Press freedom in Tanzania has deteriorated since President John Magufuli was elected in 2015, rights groups say. His administration has shut down newspapers, arrested opposition leaders and activists, and restricted political rallies. The government rejects charges that its policies are authoritarian.
According to a joint statement by the US and British, the irregular handling of Kabendera's arrest, detention, and indictment is contrary to the Criminal Procedures Act. Kabendera's lawyer, Jebra Kambole, said that the questioning since his arrest indicated that his arrest and prosecution are linked to his work as a journalist.
The case has been adjourned until August 19, when it will come up for mention. Money laundering is not a bailable offense. The government has not commented on the matter.
