LHRC: Religious intolerance leads to violations of the law

BY CORRESPONDENT

The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) yesterday described religious-based chaos and various other forms of violence in parts of Tanzania as a blatant manifestation of violations of the law.

It cited as cases in point late last week’s turmoil in Mbagala, Dar es Salaam, and Wednesday’s disorder in Zanzibar which resulted in destruction of property. It also referred to the recent gunning down of Mwanza Regional Police Commander Liberatus Barlow.

LHRC Executive Director Hellen Kijo-Bisimba made remarks at a press conference in Dar es Salaam at which she gave the centre’s stand on recent cases of violence in the country.

She said cases of people attacking police stations and demanding the release of suspects held in custody contravened the law, as per sub-section 6 (b) of Article 13 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977.

She applauded efforts by Islamic clerics in Temeke District to restore peace in the Mbagala suburb, but advised the government to have an audience with all religious leaders on the need to enhanced religious tolerance among Tanzanians.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN (18/10/2012): http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/index.php?l=47077