Tanzanian High Court overturns opposition leader Mbowe’s conviction

Tanzania’s High Court in Dar es Salaam on Friday overturned a ruling that convicted Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe and eight other party leaders of several charges.

Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in March found them guilty of the offences and ordered them to pay a total of Tsh350 million (about $150,955) in fines.

They had been charged with conspiracy to commit offences, unlawful assembly, rioting after proclamation, raising discontent and ill-will for unlawful purposes, sedition and inciting commission of offences committed between February 1 and 16, 2018 in Dar es Salaam.

However, party lawyer John Mallya said the High Court has ordered the reimbursement of Chadema leaders.

Olajumoke Adeleke/EA