MOSCOW, Aug. 12 (Bernama-Sputnik) -- A total of 61 individuals, including three leaders from the main opposition party Chadema, have been detained in Tanzania, reported Sputnik.
The detentions occurred as the opposition party was preparing to mark International Youth Day. The police arrested Chadema Deputy Chairman for Mainland Tundu Lissu, Secretary-General John Mnyika and Nyasa Zone Chairman Joseph Mbilinyi, The Citizen newspaper reported.
The police officers visited the party's office in the Nyasa district to inspect the youth wing's activities, the spokesman said. Initially, they planned to interrogate those responsible for its activities, but "unexpectedly changed their stance and arrested everyone present at the office," according to Chadema's communications chief, John Mrema.
Chadema condemned police restrictions on its members heading to Mbeya for International Youth Day on Monday. In its statement, cited by The Citizen, the party accused the police of unjustly barring youth who are not members of Tanzania's ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, from gathering.
The police reportedly banned all gatherings in and around Mbeya for International Youth Day, citing concerns that they could disrupt peace in the region and elsewhere in the country.
--BERNAMA-SPUTNIK
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