US sanctions Tanzanian police official over 'torture' of rights activists

But Rubio in his statement late on Thursday said members of the Tanzanian Police Force (TPF) had "detained, tortured, and sexually assaulted" the two activists. It did not explicitly state Mafwele's alleged role, but Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Riley Barnes said the US was "taking action to promote accountability for this heinous act". Mafwele, who serves as Tanzania's senior assistant commissioner of police, is the first senior government official under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration to face foreign sanctions. The BBC has asked the Tanzanian police for comment. Amnesty International had previously called for an urgent investigation into what it described as the arbitrary arrest, torture, incommunicado detention and forcible deportation of the two activists. Human Rights Watch also cited the case in this year's report on Tanzania, pointing to a broader crackdown on opposition figures, activists and free expression.The sanctions come as Tanzania continues to investigate reports of political repression and abuses surrounding the general election held last October. A total of 518 people died, including 197 who were shot dead, in the widespread protests that followed the disputed election, the commission of inquiry set up to investigate the violence announced last month. It did not say who was responsible for the killings but did blame foreign-sponsored groups for the violence. However, the opposition and human rights groups say the death toll was even higher and accuse the security forces of shooting unarmed protesters.President Samia was declared the winner of the poll with 98% of the vote, which the opposition described as a "mockery" of democracy after her main challengers were excluded.At the time, the president said the election was fair and transparent and blamed foreigners for the violence, saying it was part of a plot to overthrow her.The authorities have admitted using force against protesters, claiming that some groups were attempting to forcefully change the regime.On Tuesday, US lawmakers called for tougher action against the East African nation to reverse what they describe as democratic backsliding.Last December, Washington accused the Tanzanian government of repressing religious freedom and free speech, blocking US investment and failing to prevent violence before and after last year's elections. It said these actions had put American citizens, tourists and US interests at risk and threatened decades of security and development cooperation. The Tanzanian authorities did not respond.