Defending human rights in Zanzibar by Ismail Jussa

A report by Journalists For Justice and Sauti Kubwa “Right the Wrongs: Spotlight on the 2020 General Election in Tanzania”, documents how armoured vehicles patrolled the streets where security forces, including the Tanzania Police Force, the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces, Zanzibar Special Forces and alleged militia and vigilante groups reportedly shot and killed several civilians. In the lead-up to the elections and days after, there was a heavy and intimidating security forces presence across Zanzibar. Security officers harassed and physically assaulted residents, who remained fearful of reporting such incidents since the perpetrators were the same individuals tasked with maintaining security and receiving reports of violations. Ismail Jussa was one of the victims of this torture, he shares with us his story.