By The Arusha News Reporter
Twenty-four Arusha youths who had been charged with treason in connection with the post-election violence that swept parts of the country after the October 29 General Election, have been freed after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) withdrew all charges against them.
The group was released early this week by the Arusha Resident Magistrate’s Court after state attorneys formally entered a nolle prosequi, ending the high-profile case that had kept the youths in custody for weeks.
According to court officials, the withdrawal follows a directive by the DPP, Sylvester Mwakitalu, to drop treason and related serious charges against a large group of suspects arrested during the post-election turmoil. The directive has resulted in the dismissal of cases involving hundreds of the accused persons nationwide.
The 24 Arusha youths were among dozens arrested during a heavy security crackdown that followed widespread disturbances, protests and clashes reported in several regions immediately after the voting.
Legal analysts say the withdrawal of the charges marks a significant turning healing point in the state’s handling of post-election cases, which had drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and opposition figures who argued that treason charges were excessively harsh for many of the suspects.
The DPP’s office is expected to continue reviewing additional files of individuals accused of treason and other serious offences stemming from the post-election violence.
