Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - In the ongoing crackdown on dissent ahead of next week's general election, key figures from Tanzania’s main opposition party continue to face arrests.

The latest instance involves John Heche, the deputy chairperson of Chadema, who was detained outside the High Court in Dar es Salaam, the economic capital.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan is set to seek election on October 29, following her leadership succession after the death of authoritarian predecessor John Magafuli in 2021.

Initially viewed as a breath of fresh air due to her easing of restrictions, criticism from rights groups has mounted over recent attacks on opposition members and critical voices.

Heche was present at the High Court for the ongoing treason trial of Tundu Lissu, Chadema’s party leader detained in April and facing potential charges that could carry the death penalty.

The police have not disclosed the reasons behind Heche’s arrest.

According to John Mnyika, the secretary-general of Chadema, the arrest is part of a broader strategy aimed at detaining leading opposition figures until after the polls.

Mnyika also accused the authorities of confiscating Heche's passport over the weekend, allegedly for attempting to cross into Kenya to attend the funeral of politician Raila Odinga.

Chadema disputes these allegations, asserting that the arrest constitutes part of a continuous scheme against its leaders.

The recent events follow warnings from Amnesty International about escalating human rights violations, including the abduction of senior opposition officials and restrictions on civic space.

Furthermore, Chadema has been excluded from the elections due to its refusal to sign the Electoral Code of Conduct.