TANZANIA: The arrest of Tanzanian journalist Erick Kabendera has sparked widespread anger and concerns over press freedom in the African country.
Police, however, has said Erick’s detention was part of an inquiry concerning his Tanzanian citizenship.
Police said they are holding Erick for questioning as the country’s authorities have raised doubts over his citizenship. Regional police commissioner Lazaro Mambosasa told a news conference that they are communicating with the immigration department about it.
According to him, despite the police’s several invites for questioning, Erick he did not show up. “Therefore, he was detained,” he added.
Journalist Erick was taken forcefully from his home on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam capital by security personnel in plain clothes on Monday, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said expressing concern about Erick’s safety adding that the recent arrest was evidence that journalists in Tanzania were no longer safe.
Hassan Abbas, Tanzanian government spokesman, however, said journalists face no threat in the country adding that they can work freely unless they breach the law.
He added that the police was interrogating Erick to know whether he is a Tanzanian citizen. Citizens and activists have been tweeting with the hashtag #FreeErickKabendera to demand his immediate release. (Agencies)
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