In a dramatic turn amid rising domestic and international pressure, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to review—and potentially drop—treason charges filed against youths arrested during recent anti-government protests.
The decision marks a significant softening of the government’s hardline response to the post-election demonstrations, which drew sharp criticism from human rights groups and foreign observers who accused authorities of suppressing political freedoms.
By ordering the reassessment, President Samia appears to be signaling a willingness to ease tensions and rebuild public trust after weeks of controversy. Analysts say the move could be a strategic step toward national reconciliation and a broader effort to address grievances that fueled the protests.
The coming days will determine whether the treason charges—among the most severe in Tanzanian law—will indeed be withdrawn, as citizens and the international community watch closely for further signs of political openness.
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