US says 'appalled' by Tanzania police violence, opposition arrests

Tanzania's main opposition Chadema party chairman Freeman Mbowe (C) who was arrested on July 21, 2021, reacts as he arrives at the High Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 18, 2022. [AFP]

The United States said Wednesday it was "appalled" by reports that Tanzanian police used excessive force when it rounded up several opposition members over a banned youth rally this week.

Leaders of the main opposition party Chadema, including chairman Freeman Mbowe, his deputy Tundu Lissu and their supporters, were arrested ahead of Monday's planned youth event in the southwestern city of Mbeya.