The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the ongoing developments surrounding a brutal incident involving a young woman in Dar es Salaam.
The incident, which was recorded and widely circulated on social media, shows the victim being subjected to rape, sodomy, and forced to apologize to a certain "Afande."
In a statement released today, August 19, 2024, LHRC’s Executive Director, Dr. Anna Henga, raised 11 critical questions regarding the police response since the incident came to light. The questions are as follows:
1. What is the accurate information from the Police Headquarters, the Ministry of Home Affairs, or the Regional Police Commanders of Dar es Salaam and Dodoma?
2. Which force do the suspects belong to?
3. There were initially five suspects involved in this incident; who is the fifth suspect and where is he?
4. The victim was forced to apologize to "Afande"; who is "Afande"?
5. Is the victim safe in the hands of those who accuse her of being involved in prostitution?
6. Will the fact that the victim is in police custody affect the fairness of the investigation and the preservation of evidence?
7. Does being labeled as a prostitute justify the brutality of rape and other inhumane acts?
8. Whose interests is the police force protecting with these actions?
9. Does being intoxicated or a marijuana smoker provide immunity from criminal accountability?
10. By referring to "Afande" without specifying which force they belong to, is there a conflict of interest within the police regarding this case?
11. On August 9, 2024, the police announced that the investigation was complete, yet today is August 19. When will this case be brought to court?
"LHRC wishes to remind everyone that the acts committed against the victim are brutal, inhumane, and in direct violation of human rights and national laws.
Anyone who turns a blind eye to such acts is an enemy of justice and humanity," the statement emphasized.
LHRC has also called upon the police force to stop protecting and defending criminal acts, citing the statement by Dodoma's Regional Police Commander as an evident defense of the criminals involved.
Furthermore, LHRC urged the police to ensure that the victim receives appropriate counseling services from an impartial body.
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