This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
October 11, 2019
Tanzanian journalist Erick Kabendera's lawyer has announced plans to pursue a plea bargain in a case that has sparked international concern over the country's media freedom.
Kabendera, a prominent journalist who has written for international publications including The EastAfrican and Britain's Guardian, was arrested on July 29 and charged with leading organized crime, failing to pay taxes, and money laundering.
His lawyers have rejected the charges, calling the case politically motivated.
According to his lead counsel, Jebra Kambole, Kabendera is eager to be released from jail and rejoin his family.
The journalist is being held at the Segerea prison, a maximum-security facility, on the outskirts of the capital, Dar es Salaam.
Rights groups have long criticized the Tanzanian government's treatment of the media, citing a dramatic decline in press freedom since President John Magufuli's election in 2015.
The government has rejected these claims, but critics argue that the arrest and prosecution of journalists like Kabendera are part of a broader effort to muzzle the press.
When asked about his decision to pursue a plea bargain, Kabendera told the court, 'I want to also notify the court that the decision on this plea-bargaining agreement is mine and I have not been forced by lawyers.'
