Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Ilemela District Court today released 76 people who had been charged with treason in connection with violence that followed the opposition’s reaction to Tanzania’s October 29, 2025 General Election process.
Principal Resident Magistrates Pela Kiama and Christian Mwalimu, sitting in separate chambers, discharged 57 and 19 accused persons respectively after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) filed nolle prosequi notices in their favour.
A nolle prosequi is a legal power granted to the DPP under Section 91(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act, allowing the state to halt criminal proceedings at any stage before judgment.
Once entered, either orally in court or through a written notice, the accused are immediately discharged.
However, such a discharge does not amount to a full acquittal; the DPP may revive charges based on the same facts should sufficient evidence emerge later.
The DPP’s move follows directives by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who ordered a review of cases and the possible withdrawal of charges against individuals, particularly youths, who participated in the recent election-related protests without clear criminal intent.
She called for a balanced approach that enforces the law while ensuring fairness, proportionality, and consideration of national interests.
According to the president, many of those involved acted out of heightened emotion or peer pressure rather than malicious intent.
Her directives also emphasised strengthening justice system safeguards by ensuring greater consistency between police investigations and prosecutorial decisions.
She noted that video footage of the demonstrations revealed that many participants did not fully understand the consequences of their actions.
Inaugurating the 13th Parliament on November 14th, this year, President Samia expressed profound sorrow over the deaths and disruptions caused by the unrest. She requested Members of Parliament and invited guests to observe a one-minute silence in honour of the victims.
“Let us pray that God receives the souls of those who died in the unrest of October 29. I was personally deeply saddened by that incident, and I extend my condolences to all families who lost their loved ones. May God grant them rest, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” said President Samia.
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