51 officials arrested and charged with terrorism over planned July protests, opposition says

Tanzania’s main opposition party says 51 of its officials have been arrested and charged with terrorism, accusing the government of using law enforcement to intimidate criticsNAIROBI, Kenya -- NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Tanzania’s main opposition party on Saturday said 51 of its officials were arrested and charged with terrorism, accusing the government of using law enforcement to intimidate critics.Chadema deputy chairperson John Heche said the officials were arrested over planned protests this month that failed to materialize because of a heavy police presence.Tanzanians had planned to take to the streets on July 7, a date that commemorates the formation of the ruling party and is also associated with pro-democracy protests in neighboring Kenya. Protest organizers were calling for democratic reforms following the disputed October general election, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 98% of the vote.Heche said Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu had been denied his basic rights and was facing the same terrorism charges, which are not eligible for bail.Terrorism charges in Tanzania carry severe penalties, with those convicted facing prison sentences ranging from...