Activists want govt leader to resign over claims of abuse

BY WARYOBA YANKAMI

15th November 2013

Tanzania Media Women's Association (TAMWA)

 To uphold the principle of good governance, activists are calling for a high profile parliamentarian to resign with immediate effect following allegations of abuse and intimidation of two girls.

In a joint statement issued by Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA), Tanzania Gender Networking Programme, Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) and Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition THRDC, the activists called for stern legal measures to be imposed.

The statement comes in the wake of a midweek tabloid report alleging abuse of two girls’ by a government leader. The reports further purport that the girls are now homeless moving from place to place fearing for their lives.
“We are surprised that no action has been taken by the authorities even though the girls are seeking help,” the statement said.

The activists are calling for immediate response by the police and other authorities to protect the girls and against the aggressor.

Activists are calling on the rest of the country to stand fast and demand the official’s resignation saying no one should act with impunity as all are under the law.

Reached for comment on the matter, Kinondoni Regional Commander Yusufu Mrefu said that his office has not yet received any information concerning the matter.
“When the report reaches my office, I will work on it,” he said.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN