Activist and Director of the GH Foundation, Godlisten Malisa, speaks shortly after being released on bail today, June 8, 2024. Photo: Courtesy
Activist Godlisten Malisa Defiantly Released on Bail, Vows to Continue Fight for Tanzanians’ Rights
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a dramatic turn of events, activist Godlisten Malisa emerges victorious after being released on bail following his arrest in Dar es Salaam on June 6. Accused of three Instagram-related offenses, including unauthorized information dissemination, Malisa’s resilience shines as he boldly reaffirms his unwavering dedication to defending the rights of Tanzanians.
His unwavering commitment to the cause of justice becomes a beacon of hope in the face of adversity, symbolizing the relentless spirit of activism in Tanzania’s ongoing struggle for freedom and transparency.
Speaking to reporters on June 8, shortly after his release, Malisa emphasized that his actions were aimed at defending people’s rights. “When you fulfill your duty and encounter opposition, it means you shouldn’t retreat but rather increase the pace of your efforts to fight for the rights of Tanzanians,” he said. He expressed confidence in his actions and asserted that he had not erred.
Malisa was released on bail with two sureties each signing a bond of TZS 20 million. Following his arrest, he was questioned by Kilimanjaro Regional Police regarding allegations of disseminating false information on his Instagram page. The interrogation primarily focused on false information related to a student reportedly beaten by teachers in Moshi.
In a related development, Malisa, along with former Ubungo Mayor Boniface Jacob, faced charges of publishing false information under the Cybercrimes Act No. 14 of 2015. Their case was adjourned in the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court. Malisa’s recent arrest occurred shortly after the court proceedings involving him and Jacob were adjourned.
Another recent development involving Malisa and Jacob was their accusation of publishing false information about Babu G, a controversial figure in Tanzanian politics.
Allegations claimed that Malisa and Jacob disseminated false information about Babu G’s involvement in various illegal activities.
Both Malisa and Jacob denied the charges, asserting that they were exercising their right to freedom of expression. The case sparked significant public debate and scrutiny over freedom of speech and the role of activists in Tanzanian society.
“I thank everyone who prayed for me during this time I was detained,” Malisa expressed his gratitude to his supporters.
Hekima Mwasipu, Malisa’s lawyer, confirmed that his client was questioned by criminal investigation officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and was released on bail with two sureties each signing a bond of TZS 20 million.
Mwasipu further explained that Malisa’s interrogation focused on allegations of disseminating false information on his Instagram account.
He added that on June 7, Malisa was questioned about allegations concerning a student who was allegedly beaten to death by teachers in Moshi, which were published on his Instagram page.
However, Mwasipu noted that Malisa was questioned again on June 8 by criminal investigation officers regarding unauthorized information posted on his Instagram account about teachers not receiving their allowances for marking Form Four examinations this year.
“Malisa was not questioned for a very long time. He was granted bail and is required to report back to the police station on June 18,” Mwasipu stated. After being released on bail on the night of June 8, Malisa was immediately taken to the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) after complaining of sudden headaches, chest pains, dizziness, and stomach discomfort.
“When we got bail at six o’clock, we took him directly to KCMC because he was complaining of headaches, chest pains, dizziness, and stomach discomfort. He received treatment, and we returned at 10 a.m. He is currently doing well,” Mwasipu confirmed.
