Tanzaniansk musiker anholdt under studenterprotest

Forfatter billede

GLOBAL VOICES, 19. juni 2016: Maembe Vitali, Tanzania’s most passionate musician and activist, was arrested in Bagamoyo, Tanzania on June 7 and released the following evening according to Vitali's personal Facebook page as well as East African TV.

Vitali was charged with trespassing at the Bagamoyo College of the Arts (TaSUBa: Taisisi ya Sanaa na Utamaduni Bagamoyo) and disobeying police orders.

His case has been taken to court as the only ‘remedy’ to this perceived ‘security breach’ on campus.

Vitali suffered injuries due to excessive force by police and went to a private hospital for treatment on Thursday following his release on Wednesday evening.

Vitali explained that the police denied him the right to a “PF3,” a legal form confirming his injuries.

His arrest triggered an avalanche of online support by fans, colleagues, and fellow activists who posted photos and song clips, commiserated with the circumstances of his arrest and demanded his release through the hashtag #FreeMaembe

The YouTube video below is a song, Vuma, by the musician. The song talks about corruption and the need for greater transparency:

Blev arresteret under en studenterprotest
Vitali's arrest occurred when students at the arts college staged a protest against school exams.

Student activists refused to sit for an exam administered privately by the college, instead demanding that the exam aligns with and is recognized by VETA (Vocational Education and Training Authority of Tanzania).

Students intended to hold a peaceful rally, singing and holding signs yet Vitali reportsthat Acting Head of TaSUBa Mr. Michael Kadinde called the police to intervene.

The police sprayed tear gas on the student protestors, sparking violence. Police immediately arrested Vitali when he arrived on campus, accusing him of instigating the student protest.

Vitali's outspoken disdain for fraudulent administrative practices at the College of the Arts has caused a breach between him and the college, where he once studied music.

Police said that Vitali ‘demanded to be let inside and when he was asked to leave, he refused.’

This is strongly contested by Vitali himself as well as Rose Peter Maigunga, a witness to Vitali's violent arrest.

Vitali is expected to appear at the Bagamoyo District Court on June 22 to defend his case.

Now in Dar es Salaam recovering from his injuries, his supporters are calling for help on his behalf.

Læs videre fra: “Diana Kamara, a student at the University of Dar es Salaam, reported that Vitali is looking for legal assistance in Dar es Salaam or in Bagamoyo.” på globalvoices.org