EU wants special probe team to investigate PWA attacks

By Waryoba Yankami

Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda

The European Union has called for the formation of a special probe team to investigate the ongoing barbaric attacks on Persons Living with Albinism (PWA).

 

The EU also wants increased legal aid assistance for victims of attacks on Persons Living With Albinism (PWA) and for authorities to draft and implement comprehensive strategies to ensure their safety and protection.

 

Sharing concerns in the wake of last week’s new wave of attacks and killings that left at least one dead and another permanently disfigured, Filiberto Sebregondi, the EU Head of Delegation in Tanzania and for the East African Community (EAC) as well said the killings must be stopped.

 

“We condemn these attacks and call upon the country’s leadership to address the issue,” he said in a press release.

 

In the statement availed to The Guardian yesterday, the EU Head of Delegation suggested isolation measures such as secured residential camps and special schools.

 

The communiqué follows Monday’s peaceful demonstration to the EU offices in Dar es Salaam by a group of PWAs seeking EU assistance in the matter. 

 

He said the demonstrators presented to his office an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda, dated on May 19th, 2014 and signed by all Ambassadors of EU member countries residing in Tanzania calling for action to end the horrific acts.

 

He said the group expressed legitimate concerns over their security and added that they are entitled like any other citizen to be protected by the law.

 

Government officials report that, so far, at least ten persons have been arrested and charged in relation to the brutal killings of people with albinism.

 

Of the 10, nine have received the death penalty and one is serving a five year imprisonment sentence.

 

Three were convicted at the High Court Kahama zone, four Shinyanga zone, one Mwanza zone, one Tobora zone and one Mbeya zone.

 

Also, as part of efforts to address the trend, on Monday, IPP Executive Chairman Dr Reginald Mengi announced a 10m/- reward for anyone who offers information that will lead to the arrest of persons responsible for last week’s attack on Persons with Albinism (PWAs) in Tabora Region.

 

Expressing deep concern over the attacks and empathy for the victims, the IPP Executive Chairman demanded concerted response from authorities.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN