International lawyer specialising in political advocacy and human rights. Founder and Managing Partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP (@amsterdamllp).
London, UK
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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says that he will “crush” and “eliminate” all opposition. The European Union, his backer, must ask itself whether it stands for anything other than the blind hatred of Russia.
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The deportation of a former Justice Minister by the Tanzanian government is a serious escalation and greatly disrespectful to Kenya.
Leading Kenyan lawyer and the country's former Justice Minister Martha Karua says she has been deported from Tanzania to prevent her from attending the court case of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
bbc.in/3GYZFvC
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Our latest press release on behalf of our client Sara Saleem concerns the actions of Iraqi judge Faiq Zidan and the irreparable damage being caused to the country's judicial system by the expected acquittal of the Hanna brothers. amsterdamandpartners.com/pre…
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Christianity Under Siege: Ukraine
Despite taking billions in Western aid, the Ukrainian government is harassing and persecuting members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, seizing and closing churches, and jailing clergy on bogus charges and false allegations of collusion with the enemy. This authoritarian conduct must stop now.
Read our white paper: savetheuoc.com
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Establishment media continues to deny Zelensky's crackdown on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, with this week's outrageous report by PBS @NewsHour serving as another example. We break down its distortions in our video and thread.
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Originally arrested for obstructing a motorcade (after they murdered his driver). Then moved to military detention and tortured over bogus firearms charge. Now re-arrested and charged him with treason.
Do not be fooled - Bobi Wine's case is about who he is, not anything he did.
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Wilson, please tell your boss that instead of getting down on his knees to beg for votes, he should maybe think about *not* teargassing Tanzanians.
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One thing is clear from NEC behaviour. They believe that Lissu will win this election if it was free and fair. Their goal is to destroy the hope of Tanzania!
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I continue to be in awe of Tundu Lissu who is now back on the road! A man of exceptional character and prepared to fight for principles!
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We welcome the European Parliament’s (@Europarl_EN) decision to debate the case of @TunduALissu. We've written an open letter to its President. This is just the start of mounting international pressure on President Hassan and CCM. There’s a simple way out: #FreeTunduLissu.
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Congratulations to my good friend @HEBobiwine. Uganda has a bright future ahead as a democratic sovereign country.
From the ongoing @NUP_Ug delegates’ conference, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has been re-elected as the President of the @NUP_Ug party.
Congratulations, Mr. President @HEBobiwine!
Aluta continua.
ADMIN.
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Press Release: Robert Amsterdam Denounces Arrest of Tanzanian Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu dlvr.it/TK5vCv
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For those asking, we've represented @TunduALissu since Sept 2019 on a completely pro bono basis. We do so because we strongly believe in his cause, we're impressed every day by his heroism, and we are committed to helping him and his movement fight for democracy in Tanzania. 🇹🇿👏
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James, CCM National Chairman for Youth League (UVCCM) who is also Magufuli's nephew has publicly stated in a political campaign rally that if Tundu mobilizes people to contest the results putting Magufuli to power after elections, this time "they will inject him with poison
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The arrest of the entire Bobi Wine campaign team is just one further outrage. No visibility because the Army and M7 are above the law. We are monitoring.
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Excellent news! The situation in #Tanzania will be discussed in @Europarl_EN on Thursday. Looking forward to the hearing, the world needs to know Tanzania is becoming a dictatorship under Magafuli! The fight for democracy continues. Will share the streaming link in due course.
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With respect to Tanzania we anticipate our first filing with the ICC shortly. Further we are planning hearings before the Parliaments of Donor countries and will continue to urge non recognition of the Impostor.
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Tundu is safe for now. Will be doing all we can to bring these criminals to justice!! They clearly understand that CCM has lost the popular vote long ago and so can only resort to crime and intimidation
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Shocking news out of Uganda!!! M7 goons using live ammo against protesters condemning extra-legal arrest of Bobi Wine!
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Magufuli and M7 have political machines at war with their own people. Bobi Wine and Tundu Lissu represent the Voices of their people in epic struggles to unseat one Party Rule. Internal Colonialism must be ended!
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We will plan to release the White Paper within 48 hours. Given the ongoing violations of law and fairness by the CCM, NEC and other Party controlled institutions this may only be Part 1!
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President Samia Suluhu Hassan is orchestrating a mockery of democracy. Her regime’s abuses go far beyond electoral manipulation, including arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances and intimidation of opposition voices. This will eventually catch up with those enabling it.
"Robert Amsterdam, a lawyer who has represented Lissu, describes the charges as “transparently fraudulent”. “He is talking about reforming the system within the system,” said Amsterdam. “To turn that into treason is to make a mockery of any form of electoral speech.”" observer.co.uk/news/internat…
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ผมขอร่วมประณามคำตัดสินของศาลรัฐธรรมนูญที่บิดเบือนหลักกฎหมายเพื่อเปิดทางให้พลเอกประยุทธ์ ผู้นำทหารที่มีส่วนรับผิดชอบต่อการสังหารหมู่ปี 2553 และอดีตผู้นำรัฐประหารปี 2557 สืบทอดอำนาจเผด็จการ ในประเทศไทย นอกจากกองทัพแล้ว ระบบตุลาการยังถูกใช้เป็นเครื่องมือในการกดขี่เจตนารมณ์ของประชาชน
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We need pictures of the abducted to be posted outside the UK Embassy. We must suspend Uganda from the Commonwealth!!! #Commonwealth
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Have you listened to the tape that demonstrates the corruption of NEC and fear of the pussycat President. These folks just fear an open and fair election! The tape will be used in our submission on sanctions!
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We recently received a threat, allegedly claiming to come from within the Museveni regime, that ISO is planning to use a "North Korean" poison on @HEBobiwine and prevent him from leaving Uganda.
Given their record of brutality, I can't simply dismiss the threat as a hoax.
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My statement on the unjust arrest of @TunduALissu and what is a blatant and clear violation of human rights by the Tanzanian government. This criminal conduct by the state damages the image of the country and the interests of all its citizens.
amsterdamandpartners.com/pre…
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Tanzania. We are delaying the ICC filing to prepare fresh evidence after a number of witnesses came forward. The more non-public documentation we produce the better. Apologies for this.
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CCM Practice of Panic is mobilising every police force in Tanzania to summon TL at the same time to disrupt his campaign and delay his meeting with ambassadors! CCM disrespect of the Police is shameful!
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Tundu under physical attack and being moved to safety for the second time in two days. CCM clearly has no campaign other than violence!
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😅...Magufuli's running mate Ms Samia Suluhu Hassan has publicly told voters that even if the majority will vote for someone else apart from Magufuli...they should rest assured that CCM will form the next government..
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We have learned that Tanzania's NEC plans to hold a patently absurd "ethics" inquiry targeting @TunduALissu. This measure is a direct reflection of the success and popularity of Lissu's campaign. Dr Wilson Mahera Charles' motivations are improper and unlawful in this case.
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I hope Ugandans Tanzanians and My friends in Cameroon are watching closely the power of youth in Nigeria to stop Police violence. ! The demographics in all these countries are the same
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Yesterday the Head of the Police for Hai District where Chairman Mbowe's constituency is based openly told Mbowe he is simply wasting his time because he will not win his parliamentary seat. Looks like the police were there to disrupt Mbowe's campaign program.
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Tanzania's NEC is engaged in a determined campaign of administrative abuse, disqualifying high numbers of opposition candidates from numerous parties at every level without cause or explanation. We are compiling evidence of this conduct and urge all observers to do the same.
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It is Africa’s new generation of hope that is empowered by Bobi Wine. Uganda and its election is an inflection point in the rise of a new age of leadership without western ties or arms. It is M7 who is todays colonialist. His time has passed!
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Awaiting the Chadema press conference. Wilson never lets me down. With a month to go through his corrupt actions he has single handedly proven to the world he is nothing more than a CCM cadre putting Party Before Country as CCM has done in bulldozing rule of law in last 5 years
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I am contacting the Vatican for support in the fight between good and evil unfolding in Tanzania. Attacking a priest is an attack on humanity and honour itself. The CCM and President Hassan bear responsibility for this violence.
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Shameful. President Hassan is becoming the symbol of dictatorship.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has defended the recent detention and deportation of six Kenyans, including former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and former Justice Minister Martha Karua who attempted to enter the country to observe the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, claiming that their presence amounted to unwelcome interference by foreign activists.
Speaking at a public forum on Monday, Suluhu criticized what she described as a growing trend of external meddling, warning that activists who have failed to influence change in their own countries should not attempt to export their agenda into Tanzania under the pretext of defending democracy or human rights.
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We are patiently awaiting updates from our colleagues in #Tanzania following the court appearance of @TunduALissu. We are outraged by the violence against his supporters and the arrest of other @ChademaTz leaders, including the Deputy Chair — this will not go without a response.
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Wilson! Threatening people with teargas for expressing political opinions is no ones idea of impartiality or rule of law. I simply confirm that we are watching and recording your intimidation of your own people on behalf of CCM! OUTRAGEOUS!
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Chadema supporters are under severe attacks since last night. Clearly, there are orders from higher powers for these attacks. It is criminal. One must assume these are on the orders of Magufuli
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We salute @TunduALissu’s pursuit of self-representation, as it clear that he has been illegally denied proper, confidential access to our colleagues in Tanzania. We will keep fighting for him, and for the people of Tanzania, on the international stage.
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Banning CHADEMA from elections until 2030 is not democracy — it’s internal colonialism by Tanzania’s ruling CCM. This move exposes the regime’s fear of free choice and its total disregard for the rule of law. The world must respond. #FreeTunduLissu
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CCM control of mobile telephony and the complicity of those companies in political operations must be investigated by an international body. Shameful violation of human rights
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Wilson. We are distributing this white paper today in washington and within a week in european capitals!!!
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The treason charge against Tundu Lissu, whom we represent internationally, reveals the cowardice of Tanzania's ruling CCM party. We will engage the international community to resist these fraudulent charges and expose the desperation of a regime long past its sell-by date.
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I have no idea why the CCM think they can murder torture maim harass and intimidate and get away with it#nothappening
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Well, they have done it.
Today the Ukrainian Rada passed 8371 to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, sending the country back into the dark ages of lawlessness.
Here is my statement and important facts about the bill: savetheuoc.com/press-release…
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....there are reports that Jamana Printers staff dealing with printing have been replaced by the secret service who are now printing ballot papers...Really?????
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Need details on the assault of Candidate Ruge!!! In light of Amnesty Report and our White Paper it is time to understand that CCM and NEC are criminal organs of a corrupt regime. Time for Embassies to forget free and fair elections and face facts!
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👆🏿...according to whistleblower, soldiers are already casting their hotes in Tanzania at Zanzibar's Electoral Commission (ZEC) offices. That, trucks full of soldiers have been sending them there back and forth since Saturday to vote using voter IDs of those who did not register.
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If I were CCM cadres attempting to steal the election I would look up the US Magnitsky Act and get ready to hand over my passport.
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Every voter must vote once with a ballot and if it is rigged with their feet to legally and peacefully demand a free and fair election in Tanzania. CCM Fear the people!
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With the attacks last night and illegal arrests it is clear the NEC is a criminal Organization coordinating violence, administering bogus suspensions and doing everything to deprive their opponents—the people of Tanzania-from the ability to engage in free and fair elections.
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Minutes ago we confirmed that the Poll allegedly by EU cited by CCM is fake. More info coming!
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Dear Magufuli Junior. Thanks from all the lawyers working to sanction the CCM hierarchy for electoral violence and abuse of state resources. You produce video evidence saving us so much effort!!
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Whistleblower Alert! Getting info about the ballot preparation by CCM! Watch this space and DM any further evidence!
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news from Chato, home district of Magufuli. The Chadema's candidate for Chato along with the constituency's Secretary General have been attacked at night hours before Tundu's campaign rally in the area. The attackers had machetes and set on fire the homes of these local leaders
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We have learned of a secret meeting called today by CCM and the captive NEC. Rigging will be exposed and international sanctions sought!MAGUFOOLS remember Malawi!
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Nothing can remedy the suffering of the Tanzanian people who were injured or killed or arrested during the recent election. I want to thank Utibe Ntekim and our team for their excellent work. We filed today at the ICC!! More to come!!
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More CCM Fear. NEC Chairman makes CCM campaign speech throwing away any pretence of impartiality and providing opposition parties evidence of his capacity to engage in wrongful acts.
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For Africa to deal with the great challenges of this century it must defeat internal colonialism. Biya, M7 and Magafuli must go and make way for hope and an inclusive vision of the future!
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Tundu Lissu Successfully Registers His Candidacy for the 2020 Presidential Elections in Tanzania dlvr.it/RfPvN8
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Looking at Magufuli's misconduct, his eradication of free speech, attacks on journalists, activists, lawyers, the disqualifications of opponents ... it's clear he thinks he has the right to subject Tanzanians to a form of internal colonialism. Think about what that means.
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To our brothers and sisters in Zanzibar. We will absolutely file at the ICC. Whatever video or other evidence you can put together of these gross crimes that are presently occurring please forward. Gd protect you all. I salute your brave leaders!!
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When I said that CCM treated their fellow citizens as if they were colonised I never expected to be proven right so quickly. Wilson, thanks for not even hiding your disdain for those who wish a better tomorrow for their country!
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We are outraged at the filing of terrorism charges against @HecheJohn. After a fraudulent election that banned opposition and amid nationwide protests, the Tanzanian government is choosing escalation over reason — and doing so at its own peril.
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Information received that life of Tundu Lissu is in grave danger. No surprise as they tried once already!
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In the poison video Mr James is basically incriminating himself and his gang that they were responsible with the attempted assassination on Sept 7 2017 of Tundu Lissu
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Can't recommend highly enough @MarkGaleotti's new book, 'The Weaponisation of Everything,' which we discussed on the latest episode of the podcast. Have a listen here and pick up a copy: robertamsterdam.com/departur…
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Violence has broken out all over Tanzania. It is the violence of CCMs murderous dictatorial rule that teargasses canes kidnaps and murders opposition leaders and followers. Why is it violence to threaten peaceful demonstrations but OK to allow assassination ?
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Lawyers for Tundu Lissu Warn Against Tanzanian Government Plot to Block Candidacy dlvr.it/RfBgCZ
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Recent statement from TL-
We’re being prevented by heavily armed police officers from proceeding with our journey to an internal meeting. I’m not going anywhere. I’m a free citizen and a presidential candidate. These dictatorial methods have got to stop now!!!
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Soon we will be publishing a 27-page white paper detailing Magufuli and CCM's attack on democracy in #Tanzania 🇹🇿. Stay tuned and stay vigilant!
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Kenyan newspaper @dailynation is covering the open letter we sent to President Magufuli and Chief Justice Juma on behalf of @TunduALissu. The world is watching what happens on Wednesday.
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This is a shocking abuse of power, a move ripped right out of Putin's playbook. At a time when Ukraine needs to build intl support, instead they use diplomatic resources as a cudgel against political opponents who criticize the religious cleansing law.
independent.co.uk/news/world…
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Lawyers cannot reach Bobi due to widespread rioting and illegal police activity. Our people say 8 are dead at the hands of Police!
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The CCM could teach the British how to be colonisers. Their fear of their own people is palpable!
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When Kagera region was struck by an earthquarke hundreds of people dead and without shelter and the Magufuli government collected money from around the world. when M went there he told the people he did not order the earthquark to strike them so no money for them!
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Serious harassment. Revocation of landing permits in Mtware Region. CCM realises they cannot actually win without destroying the electoral process. OPEN LETTERS COMING
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.@MagufuliJP and the CCM government have dealt a death blow to democracy in #Tanzania today. He is no longer a legitimate president. Our press release announcing filings on behalf of @TunduALissu and @ChademaTZ before Commonwealth and AU.
robertamsterdam.com/lawyers-…
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With NEC's interference and others harassing CHADEMA candidates, it seems Magufuli clearly fears @TunduALissu, and will engage in every trick in the book to thwart the will of his own people. My comments to @MwangiMaina_ of @StandardKenya standardmedia.co.ke/africa/a…
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In Tanzania, the stage is being cleared.
Opposition voices are silenced, rallies banned, leaders jailed. As 2025 nears, it’s not an election being prepared—it’s a performance, and only one actor is allowed to speak.
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Three years ago today Tanzania witnessed an attempt to assassinate hope and change. It is now in the hands of the NEC to determine if rule of law has survived that attempt
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Today’s Practice of Fear by CCM involves the exclusion of two Chadema MPs from Parliament for 6 and 8 months respectively for exercising Free Speech. How fragile the Magufuli clan really is!’
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An honour to meet with my client the great @HEBobiWine in Nairobi to discuss Uganda's politically motivated treason charges.
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👆🏿A whistleblower talks about how NEC, National Inteligence Security Service (TISS) and CCM leaders are coordinating a plan to rig the election on Oct 28. He goes on to say a meeting was held on Oct 21 in Mabibo involving all principal returning officers, their assistants
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Rumours of more CCM violence against Chadema being planned. Criminal behaviour of Ruling Party must not be tolerated. Instrumentalising Police will not be overlooked. I repeat-There is no impunity and Mr. Magafuli bears ultimate responsibility!
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And by the way CCM folks should stop spreading lies about their candidate. If CCM had an ounce of conviction that he could win they would not destroy even the pretence of fairness the NEC is supposed to convey!
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