Concern over clampdown on statistics laws

The World Bank says it is deeply concerned about a new law in Tanzania which means anyone questioning the government's official statistics faces a fine and at least three years in prison. BBC News reports that the bank suggests the law, if implemented, could undermine the country's development. ‘It is critical for Tanzania, like any country, to utilise statistics laws to ensure that official statistics are of high quality and are trusted,’ it said in a statement. It added that the authorities should ‘protect openness and transparency’ in the use of statistics to further public dialogue for the benefit of the citizens. Parliament recently approved the law, which opposition groups see as part of a wider government crackdown on dissent.