Prominent investigative journalist arrested in Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – A prominent investigative reporter has been arrested in Tanzania for questioning about his nationality, prompting an outcry by fellow journalists over shrinking press freedom.

Erick Kabendera was arrested Monday night at his home in a suburb of the East African nation’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. He writes for a number of local and international publications.

Dar es Salaam Regional Police Commissioner Lazaro Mambosasa says authorities are investigating the journalist’s citizenship and that attempts to summon him for questioning had failed.

Since President John Magufuli took power in 2015 his government has been criticized by rights groups for pressuring journalists and opposition leaders. Magufuli has denied the accusations and asserted that he is trying to protect the public from fake news.