Waandishi wa Habari Waja Juu Baada ya Polisi Kutumia Nguvu zao Vibaya Kwa Waandishi Juzi

Thursday excessive use of force by police against journalists who were covering the summoning of the chairman of the main opposition at police headquarters for interrogation has been greeted with wave of condemnation from rights activists and journalist associations.

They said the police act which left journalists Josephat Isango, Shamimu Ausi and photojournalist Yusuf Badi injured was unacceptable in a country that claims to cherish principles of a free press.

The incident occurred just a day after the police snubbed a consultation meeting between law enforcement organs and media where Vice President, Dr Gharib Bilal was a key speaker.

The meeting, which sought ways of harmonising the working environment between media practitioners and security organs, brought together all other major law enforcers except the police.

Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) chairman Absolom Kibanda said the police have reached an alarming stage in disrespect of rights of journalists and asked Inspector General of Police Ernest Mangu to overhaul the force.

He said the incident has invoked similar memories including the killing of TV journalist Daudi Mwangosi and asked the police to take immediate measures against those who were involved on the Thursday’s occurrence.