Washington bars a senior Tanzanian police official over alleged torture and sexual assault of two East African activists….reports Asian Lite News
The United States has imposed sanctions on a senior Tanzanian police official over alleged involvement in serious human rights abuses linked to the detention and mistreatment of two East African activists last year.
The US Department of State announced the designation of Tanzanian Police Force Senior Assistant Commissioner Faustine Jackson Mafwele under Section 7031(c), citing credible information of his involvement in gross violations of human rights.
According to the State Department, Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi were detained in Dar es Salaam while attending proceedings related to the trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
US authorities alleged that the two activists were tortured and sexually assaulted while in custody of members of the Tanzanian Police Force.
As part of the designation, Mafwele has been barred from entering the United States.
The State Department said the move reflects Washington’s commitment to promoting accountability for human rights abuses and supporting the protection of civil society activists and political observers.
