Heartbreaking reports have emerged of “families desperately searching everywhere for their loved ones, visiting one police station after another and one hospital after another“UN human rights chief Volker Türk said on Tuesday.
Other reports suggest that security forces transported the bodies of some of those killed to undisclosed locations, the OHCHR said.
‘Disturbing reports’
Türk called for an investigation into the killings and other human rights violations.
“YO We strongly urge the Tanzanian authorities to provide information on the fate and whereabouts of all those missing.and hand over the bodies of those killed to their loved ones so that they can receive a dignified burial,” said Mr. Türk.
“There are also disturbing reports that security forces have been seen removing bodies from streets and hospitals and taking them to undisclosed locations. in an apparent attempt to hide evidence.”
Due to the volatile security situation and the internet shutdown following the elections, the UN has not been able to verify exact casualty figures.
Some released, others remain in jail
The main opposition party, Chadema, said on social media that several senior opposition leaders who were detained during the protests had been released. Four were reportedly released on bail on Monday.
President Hassan was declared the winner after the elections with 98 percent of the votes.
According to information received by OHCHR, more than 150 people have been arrested since election day. Many of those detained – including children – have allegedly been accused of treason.
Mr. Türk called for the unconditional release of all opposition figures arrested before the general election and all others arbitrarily detained since.
“All detained persons must be afforded the full range of due process rights guaranteed by international human rights law.”said Mr. Türk.