Opposition trial to start on 19 January

Meanwhile, the treason trial of 18 members of the opposition Civic United Front (CUF), who have been in detention for more than two years, is due to begin on 19 January, the Tanzanian ‘Guardian’ newspaper reported. It quoted Zanizibar’s Attorney-General [AG] Ali Mohamed Omar as saying preparations for the hearing were complete, and at least 60 witnesses were expected to testify. He said that because of the huge number of witnesses the case is likely to last until October this year. The 18 were arrested in November 1997.

Earlier, OAU Secretary-General Dr Salim Ahmed Salim told a Tanzanian television station that the delayed trial of the 18 had “tarnished the good image of the country”. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.