GENEVA
The UN human rights chief urged investigations Tuesday into killings and alleged violations committed in connection with the Oct. 29 elections in Tanzania, amid reports that security forces may have taken bodies to undisclosed locations.
Information gathered by the UN Human Rights Office from different sources in Tanzania suggested that hundreds of protesters and others were killed and an unknown number injured or detained. The office said it has been unable to independently verify casualty figures due to the volatile security situation and an internet shutdown following the vote.
“Reports of families desperately searching everywhere for their loved ones, visiting one police station after another and one hospital after another are harrowing,” Turk said in a statement. “I strongly urge the Tanzanian authorities to provide information about the fate and whereabouts of all those missing, and to hand over the bodies of those killed to their loved ones so that they can be given dignified burials.”
“There are also disturbing reports that security forces have been seen removing bodies from streets and hospitals and taking them to undisclosed locations in an apparent attempt to conceal evidence,” he added.
Turk wants authorities to “investigate these grave allegations of human rights violations, fully and transparently, and to hold those responsible to account.”
He also reiterated his call for the unconditional release of all opposition figures arrested before the election, including Chadema party leader Tundu Lissu, and others detained since Election Day.
More than 150 people have been arrested, including children, with many allegedly charged with treason, according to reports.
“It is essential that all those arrested or detained on criminal charges are promptly presented before a judicial officer, and can effectively contest the lawfulness of their detention,” said Turk. “All those detained must be afforded the full range of due process rights guaranteed under international human rights law.”
