Police in Tanzania have released four senior opposition leaders who were arrested for their alleged involvement in deadly protests against last month’s general election.

The release came after their party, CHADEMA, and certain human rights activists claimed that more than 1,000 people were killed by security forces during the unrest.

However, the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, declared the winner of the election with nearly 98% of the vote, stated that these figures were exaggerated but did not provide its own death toll.

Among those released on bail are CHADEMA Vice Chairman John Heche and Amani Golugwa, the party’s deputy secretary-general.

These releases follow the charge of over 145 individuals with treason for their alleged involvement in the protests.

Additionally, more than 170 others have been charged with other protest-related offenses.

Opposition figures have accused President Hassan's government of suppressing dissent and carrying out widespread abductions of critics.

The African Union observers also noted that the election did not align with democratic standards.

Despite these criticisms, President Hassan has defended the fairness of the election and her handling of human rights issues.

Last year, she ordered an investigation into reported abductions but no findings have been made public.

This political crisis marks Tanzania’s biggest in decades, with profound implications for the country's democratic processes and political environment.