Tanzanian opposition lawmakers found guilty of making seditious statements

Freeman Mbowe (C), chairman of Chadema, Tanzanian main opposition party arrives at Kisutu Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania March 10, 2020. REUTERS/Emmanuel Herman

DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - A court in Tanzania convicted nine opposition leaders and legislators on Tuesday of making seditious statements and imposed five-month jail terms or a fine, which could heighten activists' fears that democratic dissent is being stifled.

The defendants were all from Chadema, the leading opposition party and included Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe, the deputy secretary general, ex-secretary general, head of the women's wing and four other legislators. The accused were fined a total of 350 million Tanzanian shillings (£117,793).