LHRC wants government to take stern measures to unaccountable leaders

Dar es Salaam. Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has asked the government to take to account leaders who have failed to protect people, properties and human rights in the country.

Addressing a press conference on August 29 to condemn attack on IMMMA advocate offices early Saturday, LHRC executive director, Dr Hellen Kijo Bisimba, said government leaders who failed to guarantee security to the people were supposed to take personal accountability and if they fail to do so, be made accountable by appointing authorities.

"It is surprising the government is silent even after attack on IMMMA advocate offices. Nobody in the government has issued a statement to condemn bomb the attack," she said, reiterating that measures needed to be taken to government officer in charge.

She said LHRC wanted the police force to arrest perpetrators of the attack and bring them to justice with immediate effect and that the legal profession should be left to exercise its duties with independence.

"Lawyers should practice their profession with independence, without interference and intimidation. Lawyers independence is a fundamental right the same as providing legal representation to citizens," she said.

During a press conference attended by Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) President, Mr Tundu Lissu and Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) national coordinator, Mr Onesmo Olengirumwa, lawyers dressed in black -- a sign of solidarity to IMMM advocate lawyers and displayed placards bearing various messages to condemn the attack.

Generally, they support TLS declaration to boycott providing legal representation August 29 and August 30, this year.