Chadema Leader Released on Bail

The chairman of Tanzania’s opposition party Chadema has been released on bail after more than four months in prison.

Freeman Mbowe faces charges of sedition, incitement to violence and holding an illegal rally. He was released this week following an appeal against a contempt of court ruling.

Chadema MP Esther Matiko was also released. The pair were jailed in November 2018 after they failed to attend a court hearing. Mbowe claimed to have been taken ill, while Matiko said she had been travelling at the time. 

Speaking on the case High Court Judge Sam Rumanyika stated, "I have never seen such a case in all my time as a judge." The judge warned against denying bail without valid reasons.

A further seven Chadema members also face charges.