An investigative journalist in Tanzania has been arrested by six police officers at his house in Dar-es-Salaam.
Erick Kabendera has been arrested for allegedly being critical of President Magufuli’s regime with the police refusing to comment on the issue.
The journalist was arrested in the presence of his wife with the both of them having their phones confiscated.
People who gathered during the arrest taking photos also had their phone confiscated as reported by Tanzania media house Citizen.
The hash tag free Erick Kabendera is currently making rounds on social media as citizen’s request for his release.
Kabdendera who is a freelance journalist has also worked with UK magazine The Guardian and the African Arguments Website.
Also read: Fuliza services launched in Tanzania
The arrest of Kabendera has shown the level of media freedom in Tanzania under the presidency of John Magufuli.
Since taking office in 2015, President Magufuli has tightened media rights and suspended a number of newspapers and radio stations in the country.
In previous statements, President Magufuli has been quoted warning the spread of fake news and his tough stand on people critical of the government.