Tanzania: Dinna Maningo Jailed Over Exposé on Regional Governor's Alleged Sexual Assault
State authorities' escalating actions against journalists in Tanzania raise deep concerns
Location: Tanzania, Tarime
Date: June 13, 2024
Women Press Freedom expresses deep concern over the detention of journalist Dinna Maningo, who is currently held in custody without the opportunity for bail. The founder of online outlet Dima Online is reportedly being accused of publishing classified police reports related to sexual assault allegations involving the Regional Governor of Simiyu. Her coverage led to the governor's removal from office, proving the essential role journalists play in exposing corruption and abuse of power. Instead of safeguarding journalistic integrity, authorities have opted to stifle it by detaining Maningo. Shockingly, just days later, two other journalists were also detained under unclear circumstances. These escalating actions by state authorities against journalists in Tanzania are deeply troubling. We strongly condemn the detention of the media professionals and call upon the authorities to immediately release Dinna Maningo and her fellow journalists. Authorities must cease the criminalization of journalists for doing their jobs.
On June 13, 2024, Dinna Maningo, a writer and owner of the website Dima Online, was arrested at her home in Tarime, Mara region. She stands accused of publishing classified intelligence information.
The journalist is being held in police custody in Mwanza. The Mara Region Journalists Association (MRPC) Chairman visited Maningo in jail and confirmed she was in good condition. He urged the Mwanza police to provide clear information about the allegations against Maningo to dispel confusion among journalists and the public.
Police have repeatedly interrogated Maningo and confiscated her work equipment. To date, ongoing efforts to secure bail have been unsuccessful.
Maningo’s detention followed her reporting on allegations against the Simiyu Regional Governor, Dr. Yahya Nawanda, who was accused of sexual misconduct involving a university student in Mwanza City. Maningo’s investigation led to the Governor’s removal from office on June 11, 2024.
Controversy surrounding the story heightened when allegations emerged that police officials in Mwanza had mishandled the case. Police allegedly pressured the victim into retracting her legal actions through a drafted letter. This confidential letter was later leaked on social media, triggering a public outcry and accusations of police interference in judicial processes.
In a troubling escalation in press violations, on June 19, 2024, the Simiyu Press Club reported the detentions of two more journalists in Tanzania. Constantine Mathias was taken from his home by men claiming to be police officers, while Samweli Mwanga was similarly detained and later transferred to Mwanza. The detentions have sparked anxiety within the journalism community, with calls for transparency from law enforcement regarding the reasons behind these actions.
A national survey by Twaweza East Africa, published in February 2024, reveals the precarious state of journalism in Tanzania. The survey showed that 50% of journalists have faced threats, torture, or attacks, often from government officials. Two out of ten journalists have been arrested or detained, and many reported experiencing sexual violence or having their equipment confiscated. The findings confirm the widespread perception that media freedom is severely restricted in Tanzania.
Women Press Freedom denounces the detention of Dinna Maningo and her two colleagues. These latest jailings are part of a broader crackdown on media freedom in Tanzania, where journalists face threats, arrests, and violence simply for carrying out their duty to inform the public. The Tanzanian government must release Dinna Maningo and her colleagues unconditionally.
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