TLS Offers Free Legal Aid to 641 Suspects in Election-Related Cases

Dar es Salaam. The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) has announced it will provide free legal aid and courtroom representation to 641 people currently facing serious criminal charges across the country in connection with election-related cases.

TLS lawyer William Maduhu reported that between October 29 and November 1, numerous youth were arrested, with 641 suspects brought before the courts. Most face charges including treason, armed robbery, and arson.

Data compiled by TLS shows that detentions occurred nationwide, with Dar es Salaam recording over 400 arrests and Mwanza documenting more than 200 arrests.

Kilimanjaro reported 312 arrests, though according to the regional police commander, 300 have been released while 12 remain in custody. Additional detentions were reported in Mbeya, Njombe, Songwe, Kigoma, and Tabora.

"Since November 7, criminal cases have been filed in various parts of the country, including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Mwanza, Arusha, Njombe, Mara, and Kigoma. Most suspects are youth aged between 15 and 25," Maduhu said.

He added that initial assessments revealed many arrested individuals are unfamiliar with legal processes and cannot afford legal representation. The Society has committed to offering legal assistance without payment or conditions to ensure fair representation in court.

Maduhu noted that if convicted, the lowest sentence is 30 years, with maximum penalties including death and life imprisonment.

"Most suspects have limited legal knowledge and cannot afford lawyers. We have resolved to provide free legal representation to all those taken to court since November 7, and to those who continue to be brought before the courts," he stated.

TLS lawyer Paul Kisabo reported that during visits to detainees, several appeared to have physical injuries, raising concerns about alleged mistreatment while in custody. Some detainees were found wearing only vests, which lawyers described as a violation of human dignity and human rights.

"We urge the police to follow legal procedures, allow lawyers unrestricted access to clients, and enable families to visit their loved ones. Some relatives do not know where their children are being held, and some fear they may have died," Kisabo said.

The Society called on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to review the charges and drop cases lacking sufficient legal grounds.

"We urge the DPP to exercise constitutional and legal powers to withdraw these cases, as our assessment shows many charges have no legal substance," Kisabo stated.

He encouraged families to visit relatives in remand facilities, reminding them that prisons are public institutions with an obligation to safeguard detainees’ welfare.

TLS emphasized it will continue monitoring the situation and ensure no suspect is denied access to justice based on status, financial ability, or location.