At least 240 people have been charged with treason in Tanzania following last week's deadly protests against the disputed election results. The opposition denounced the poll which declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner with 98% of the vote as a sham.
The defendants, who were not asked to enter a plea, face allegations of inciting demonstrations aimed at obstructing the election and could potentially face the death penalty (though sentences are often commuted). Among those charged is prominent businesswoman Jenifer Jovin, accused of encouraging protesters to buy gas masks.
The subsequent security crackdown has resulted in severe diplomatic tension with Kenya, after reports emerged that Kenyans living in Tanzania were targeted, leading to deaths, injuries, and detentions. Kenya’s Foreign Minister has reached out to his Tanzanian counterpart to guarantee the safety of the estimated 250,000 Kenyans in the East African nation.
Tanzanian authorities continue to downplay the violence and blame foreigners for stoking unrest.
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