JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 163
- 109
UDOM Lecturer arrested for discussing 'December 9 demonstrations' in class, released on bail
A lecturer from the University of Dodoma (who has not been named) was reportedly arrested by the Police after his house was searched and he was interrogated, before being released on bail.
The lecturer is accused of discussing the planned demonstrations for December 9 during a lecture session on December 8, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. He is alleged to have 'incited' students to participate in the demonstrations.
His statements were allegedly recorded secretly by a student suspected to be an investigator/spy and later submitted to higher authorities, a move that led to the order for his arrest.
A statement issued by the university on December 12 urged Lecturers and other staff at the institution to be careful while in class, as this incident indicates that they are being monitored. An investigation into the incident is ongoing to determine the appropriate measures to be taken.
Public Opinion:
Citizens have criticized this move, stating that it will kill university education in the country by causing teachers to stop discussing and analyzing issues openly for fear of their lives. They argue this will produce young people full of fear who only think of praising [authorities] to be appointed to various leadership positions, rather than experts who can think critically, build arguments in multiple debates, stimulate creativity, criticize, and advise on positive changes.
Furthermore, others have said that interfering with freedom of opinion is unacceptable—whether in colleges, other workplaces, or the streets. Otherwise, the country will collapse because people will no longer care to advise on changes; they will let the Government do whatever it wants, and if it reaches that point, there will be no nation left to lead!
BASATA postpones the Music Awards (TMA) scheduled for December 13, 2025. Campaign to boycott artists continues
The National Arts Council (BASATA) has announced the postponement of the Tanzania Music Awards (TMA) 2025 ceremony, initially scheduled for December 13, 2025, until a new date is announced.
This decision comes as a citizens' movement to boycott artists' works continues to gain momentum, following some artists' distancing themselves from social issues and supporting the rulers' activities.
CHADEMA Central Committee member, Godbless Lema, through social media, has called on the youth and Tanzanians in general not to participate in anything involving "chawa" (sycophant) artists. For example, by not attending concerts, not watching their videos on various music platforms, or not voting for them when they are nominated for awards, stating they should give them a "Ban."
Public Opinion:
Citizens have received this news with joy, describing it as a victory for fans and Tanzanians who have decided not to support any work, business, or activity related to the arts until those artists correct their ways and start cooperating with the people to reject Government oppression.
Others have welcomed Lema's call with open arms, stating they will continue to withdraw support for any issues involving artists in the country, making this part of indefinite protests until justice is obtained for people killed during the election and until incidents of abductions and human rights violations are brought to an end.
