As the remanded ten Muslim leaders wait for their fate, one of the accused, Sheikh Azzan Khalid Hamad, has been hospitalized after developing complications in the urinary system.
Sheikh Azzan Khalid Hamad
Relatives and a prison warden looking after Azzan said the remandee fell unconscious last Sunday, before he was rushed to Mnazi Mmoja hospital.
Mr Salum Tawfi, his defence lawyer, confirmed that his client was sick and might need further treatment outside Zanzibar “if such treatment may not be available at the hospital.”
According to the hospital secretary, Mr Omar Hamdani, said Azzan was brought to the hospital last Sunday. “Doctors are still investigating symptoms of urinary calculi (low-density crystals or stones in the urinary tract).” He said.
The sick cleric is being guarded by several prison wardens and plain-clothed police officers. Meanwhile, Azzan’s co-accused were brought to court yesterday as a routine of taking the accused to court at least once in a fortnight.
Deputy Registrar of the Zanzibar High Court set September 17, this year, as another date for the case’s mention as they await the files from the Court of Appeal in Dar es Salaam. The court is scheduled to have its annual session in Zanzibar in November.
The Muslim leaders were arrested last October and charged with incitement, instigation and causing chaos. Salum Tawfiq, advocate for the Muslim leaders, led by Sheikh Farid Hadi Ahmed, prayed that his clients need to see their relatives frequently and also needed to get information through the media, including newspapers.
The registrar of the High Court, George Kazi, reminded prison authorities about implementing the orders as the remandees wait for hearing of their case.
The case was adjourned to February 11, this year for another mention. The Muslim leaders are Msellem Ally Msellem, Farid Hadi Ahmed, Mussa Juma Issa, Suleiman Juma Suleiman, Khamis Ali Suleiman, Abdallah Said Ali and Hassan Bakar Suleiman.
By ISSA YUSSUF, Tanzania Daily News
