The protests, triggered by the exclusion of two main opposition candidates, led to widespread unrest. The opposition party CHADEMA and rights activists allege that over 1,000 people were killed by security forces, though the government disputes the figures and has not provided its own death toll.
According to court documents, the accused “formed an intention to obstruct the 2025 general election” and caused damage to government property. One of the defendants, a businesswoman, was accused of selling teargas masks to demonstrators.
Church leaders, including Bishop Benson Bagonza of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, warned that the charges could escalate tensions and urged the government to pursue reconciliation instead of arrests.
The African Union declared the election not credible, citing reports of ballot box stuffing, while the government maintained that the vote was fair and peaceful.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with nearly 98% of the vote and sworn in earlier this week.