DAR ES SALAAM - The United States has
spoken out against Tanzanian moves to cut back human rights and
civil liberties, including arrests and harassment of
"marginalised" people such as homosexuals.
President John Magufuli's government has been criticised by
opposition politicians and international rights groups for what
they say is growing authoritarianism and intolerance of dissent.
The government rejects the criticism.
"We are troubled by the continued arrests and harassment of
marginalized persons, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender people and others who seek to exercise their rights
to freedom of speech, association and assembly," the U.S. State
Department said in a statement seen by Reuters on Sunday.
There was no immediate comment from Tanzanian authorities.
The United States earlier this month warned its citizens in
Tanzania to be cautious after the commercial capital Dar es
Salaam announced a crackdown on homosexuality, a criminal
offence.
"The deteriorating state of human rights and rule of law in
Tanzania inhibits development, economic prosperity, peace, and
security," the U.S. statement said, urging the government to
safeguard people's rights.