This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
August 23, 2019
Joseph Gandye, a journalist working for Watetezi TV, has been arrested in Tanzania for publishing a report on alleged police abuse of suspects in custody.
Gandye's arrest comes a month after top investigative journalist Erick Kabendera was detained, sparking concerns from the US and UK embassies in Tanzania.
According to the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Gandye was taken to a police station in Dar es Salaam, where he is being held.
THRDC condemned Gandye's arrest, stating that he was being targeted for his report on police maltreatment of suspects in custody.
Earlier in August, Gandye had done a report for Watetezi TV on alleged police abuse of suspects in Iringa, central Tanzania.
Following the report, the police in Iringa issued a warning to Gandye, stating that publishing false and misleading reports would not be tolerated.
Regional police commander Juma Bwire was quoted as saying, "I have ordered the chief intelligence officer to follow up on people who are misleading and reporting false information. Once they are caught, legal action should be taken."
Since President John Magafuli took office in 2015, the Tanzanian government has tightened its grip on the media, suspending several newspapers and radio stations for "incitement".
President Magafuli has also warned about the dangers of fake news, saying there are limits to press freedom.
