Tanzania's prominent opposition leader, Freeman Mbowe, was released on bail Saturday following his detention earlier in the week.
The arrest, which occurred just days before local elections scheduled for November 27, has heightened concerns about civic freedoms under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration.
Mbowe, leader of the Chadema party, was taken into custody along with other party members after police forcibly dispersed a rally in southern Tanzania using tear gas.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Chadema confirmed the release of Mbowe and others but highlighted that several party members remain in police custody.
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Speaking after his release, Mbowe condemned the alleged use of excessive force by police, noting that some party members were severely beaten during the arrests. He refuted police claims that Chadema had violated campaign schedules, calling the accusations "baseless" and deliberately attempting to sabotage their campaign efforts.
Mbowe also revealed that authorities have ordered him and others to report back on November 29, prompting him to seek legal advice.
The arrests follow similar incidents last month when Mbowe, his deputy Tundu Lissu, and other opposition figures were briefly detained during a rally in Dar es Salaam.
The incidents have sparked concerns from rights groups and international observers, who criticize the Tanzanian government for suppressing political opposition.
The upcoming local polls are seen as a critical indicator of Tanzania’s political climate ahead of the presidential elections in October 2025.
While President Hassan initially garnered praise for easing restrictions imposed by her predecessor, John Magufuli, recent actions have drawn criticism, with reports of arbitrary arrests, candidate disqualifications, and alleged manipulation of the election process.
