Tanzania: Authorities must investigate police use of force against election day protesters

Reacting to the news that two people were killed and several others injured during protests today calling for a boycott of this year’s general elections, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah said:

“The authorities have a constitutional responsibility to respect the human rights of all before, during and after the elections.”

“Reports that one general member of the public and one police officer have been killed during election day protests across Tanzania are deeply disturbing. The risk of further escalation is high – we urge the police to exercise restraint and refrain from using unnecessary and excessive force against protesters.

“The Tanzanian authorities must promptly conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the unlawful use of lethal force against protesters, and the perpetrators must be held accountable.”