THRDC condemns the arrest of  PBA lawyer

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) has condemned the arrest of lawyer Deogratius Mahinyila inside the High Court in Dar es Salaam, stating the incident undermines the dignity and status of legal professionals in the country.

Speaking to the press today, September 24, in Dar es Salaam, THRDC’s National Coordinator, Advocate Onesmo Olengurumwa, said: “The act was unjustified,” explaining that Mahinyila was merely carrying out his professional duties at the time of his arrest.

THRDC’s statement comes just days after the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) issued a firm stance condemning Mahinyila’s arrest and calling for solidarity among lawyers. However, that position was opposed by the Public Bar Association (PBA), an organization representing government lawyers.

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“That stance was also meant to protect the dignity of the legal profession and to demonstrate professional unity when one member faces challenges that could impair their ability to fulfill their legal duties,” Advocate Olengurumwa added.

He emphasized that it is the responsibility of legal associations and human rights institutions to ensure that lawyers can carry out their work without fear, noting that such an environment is the cornerstone of justice and equality before the law.