Killing Of Tanzania Protesters A Disgrace Before God-Archbishop

Hundreds gathered for a church service in Tanzania on Monday to pray for those killed by security forces during election violence, with the archbishop saying the country had “lost its dignity”.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the October 29 poll with 98 percent of the vote, but the election sparked widespread protests that were brutally suppressed by the security forces, which are accused of killing hundreds.

The government has yet to give an official death toll, and Hassan has barely commented on the killings except to praise the work of the police.

Families of some of the victims gathered for a service at St Joseph Church in Dar es Salaam — almost all too afraid to speak to the media for fear of reprisals by the security services.

“Our country has lost its dignity because of what transpired during the week of the general election,” said Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi, leading the service.

READ ALSO: Tanzania President Wins 98% In Election As Opposition Says Hundreds Killed

“The punishment for protesting is not death by gunfire. There are also those who were killed in their own homes — they were pursued and murdered right inside their houses,” he said.

“Such acts… are a disgrace before God,” he added.

Opposition parties and activists have described security forces indiscriminately shooting protesters and bystanders dead in many parts of the country during several days of unrest during and after the election.

The government imposed a total internet blackout and strict lockdown, making it difficult to verify information.