Sun Jun 5, 2011 3:56AM
Freeman Mbowe, leader of Tanzania's main opposition party CHADEMA
Police have arrested the leader of Tanzania's main opposition party CHADEMA, Freeman Mbowe, over his involvement in a protest earlier this year, a spokesperson for the party says.
Mabere Marando said Mbowe was arrested at a police station following a court order over his involvement in a January 5 rally in the northeastern city of Arusha, protesting against alleged electoral fraud in the country's October vote, AFP reported on Saturday.
According to Marando, police "formally arrested him and said he would be kept in their custody until they convey him Monday to the court in Arusha.”
The Tanzanian government said the January protest was illegal and charged Mbowe and 18 other opposition members with “conspiracy to commit an offence, unlawful assembly and rioting.”
Mbowe, the head of Party for Democracy and Development (CHADEMA), did not attend a court appearance on May 27.
On Thursday, Judge Charles Magesa urged Arusha police to execute the arrest warrant.
However, the opposition said the move “violates parliamentary independence and puts democracy in danger.”
"Mr. Mbowe did not appear in front of the court because he was taking part in meetings of parliamentary commissions that started on May 23 and are still ongoing.”
The opposition members face charges for demanding the resignation of Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, whose Party of Revolution (CCM) has been in power since 1961.
Kikwete has led the ruling party as its fourth chairman since he took office in December 2005.
HSN/AKM/HRF
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