Two leaders from Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, were arrested today while on their way to show support for their leader, Tundu Lissu, who is facing a treason charge. Brenda Rupia, the party’s spokesperson, confirmed that Deputy Chairperson John Heche and Secretary General John Mnyika were arrested by police as they made their way to the court in Dar es Salaam.

In another development, four journalists were also detained and assaulted by the police at Mabwepande Forest in Kawe, Dar es Salaam. Among those arrested were Said Mzee Said, the Deputy Chairman and Ali Ibrahim Juma, the Deputy Secretary-General of Zanzibar. These individuals, along with the journalists, were beaten and injured before being released. The journalists had gone to Kisutu Magistrate Court to cover the hearing of Tundu Lissu’s treason case.

Lissu, who faces charges that could lead to the death penalty, was supposed to appear in court today. His case has sparked widespread outrage both locally and internationally. Human rights organizations have demanded his immediate release, while Heche has called on the public to protest his arrest.

This arrest is part of a bigger crackdown on opposition leaders as Tanzania prepares for its elections in October. Chadema has been very critical of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government, accusing it of stopping free speech and controlling the elections. The party was disqualified from the elections after refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct.

Chadema is calling for changes to the electoral system to make sure elections are free and fair. Lissu has made it clear that his party will not take part in the elections unless these changes are made.