Tanzanian immigration authorities detained CPJ Sub-Saharan Africa Representative Muthoki Mumo, left, and Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal in Dar es Salaam on November 7. (Photo :CPJ)
Tanzanian immigration authorities detained CPJ Sub-Saharan Africa Representative Muthoki Mumo, left, and Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal in Dar es Salaam on November 7. (Photo :CPJ)
A South African journalist and her colleague were subjected to an interrogation at the hands of Tanzanian authorities on Wednesday night. Angela Quintal and Muthoki Mumo say they were taken from their hotel room and had their passports seized.
The pair, who work for the Committee to Protect Journalists, have since been released. Dirco confirmed that they have returned to their accommodation in Dar es Salaam and that an international dialogue is on the cards:
Dirco confirm safety of journalists in Tanzania
SA journalist, Angela Quintal & colleague are back in their hotel. SA’s High Commissioner Mr Thami Mseleku is meeting with them to discuss last night’s events. He will then engage Tanzanian authorities. @DIRCO_ZA spokesperson, Mr Ndivhuwo Mabaya spoke to Ms Quintal this morning.
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) November 8, 2018
Angela Quintal: What happened?
Officers who identified themselves as working with the Tanzanian immigration authority detained Quintal and Mumo when they arrived at their hotel room. The officials searched the pair’s belongings and would not return their passports when asked, according to Quintal.
The reporters were then escorted from the hotel and have been taken to an unknown location. They were in the country on a mission for CPJ. The nature of why exactly they were interrogated remains unclear, but it could well be down to Tanzania’s recent crackdown on homosexuality.
Tanzania’s LGBTQI laws
The government have passed laws encouraging citizens to report members of the LGBTI community. Being gay has effectively been made a criminal offence, as a task force charged with identifying homosexuals was set up this week.
The Committee t0 Protect Journalists very much do what their name says. When press freedom violations occur, CPJ mobilizes a network of correspondents from its pool of 40 experts, who report and take action on behalf of those targeted. Tanzania is currently oppressing its journalists in regards to the LGBTI situation.
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