A Tanzanian university lecturer who was arrested earlier this month over allegations of inciting anti-government protests has now been charged with terrorism. Melkisedek Kaijage, who works at the University of Dodoma, had appeared at a magistrate’s court to request bail after spending 15 days in police custody when the charges were changed. He was among more than 130 people arrested over planned protests calling for democratic reforms and justice for those killed in a post-poll crackdown last year.
The 7 July demonstrations were banned and did not take place. The academic will now remain in custody until his case goes to trial as terrorism offences are generally not eligible for bail. He was arrested a day after the planned nationwide protests and initially charged with inciting people to join them.
The authorities had deployed security forces across major cities in the East African nation on 7 July and warned that they would act against anyone accused of inciting unrest. Prosecutors now accuse Kaijage of threatening to burn public buildings as part of intimidation tactics. Under Tanzanian law, offences such as recruiting for, facilitating, harbouring or supporting terrorists or terrorist groups carry severe penalties.
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Individuals convicted of these offences may face prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. Gerald Shija, chairman of the University of Dodoma Academic Staff Association (Udomasa), said Kaijage had been transferred from police custody to Isanga Prison in the capital, Dodoma.
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