Lawmaker to be tried for terrorism

A Dar es Salaam court has ruled that Freeman Mbowe, the leader of Tanzania's main opposition party, must stand trial on charges of terrorism, prolonging a case that some see as political. African News reports that Mbowe was arrested last July along with a number of senior officials of the Chadema party, just hours before they were to hold a public meeting to demand constitutional reforms. He was charged with financing terrorism and conspiracy. He claims he was tortured in custody. Prosecutors accuse Mbowe of conspiring to attack a public official, and giving 600 000 Tanzanian shillings ($260) to fund attacks on petrol stations. A trial date was set for 4 March.