Amnesty International, the UK’s non-governmental human rights group, is under fire for issuing a fake alert over the disappearance of a Uyghur student in Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Last Friday, the rights group reported that a student named Abuduwaili Abudureheman travelled from South Korea to Hong Kong to visit a friend on May 10; however, he had not been heard from since he told one of his friends over the phone that he was being questioned by airport authorities. Now, Amnesty has published a corrected version of the report which says the student is still in South Korea and he never travelled to Hong Kong.

<h2>Amnesty issues clarification</h2>

In the latest statement, Amnesty International has confirmed that the said student&nbsp;never travelled to Hong Kong, “contrary to previous information received.”

Watch:&nbsp;Hong Kong rejects media tycoon Jimmy Lai's plea to terminate trial | WION Speed News

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“We are pleased that Abuduwaili Abudureheman is accounted for,” it said. “We will continue to strive to offer support to people who reach out to us when they believe they or their loved ones are at risk of human rights violations.”

<h2>Student in contact with professors in South Korea</h2>

Earlier, Associated Press had reported that the Uyghur student was in contact with his professors in South Korea. He is pursuing a doctorate in sports studies and frequently contacts his teachers over his doctoral preparations. Although his school declined to give information about his whereabouts in South Korea citing privacy concerns, it referred to a professor to confirm that the student was still present in South Korea. Abudureheman has been studying in South Korea for seven years.

<h2>Hong Kong government furious at Amnesty</h2>

Following allegations levelled by Amnesty over the disappearance of the student, the Hong Kong administration hit back at the rights group calling them “groundless and unfounded”, stating that the group attempted to smear it.

The administration also referred to governmental records claiming that neither the students ever entered Hong Kong territory, nor his entry request was rejected. It also demanded an apology from the group. 
However, Amnesty did not issue an apology in its correction statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-repression-forces-one-of-hong-kongs-last-pro-democracy-parties-to-give-up-597290">Also Read |&nbsp;Chinese repression forces Hong Kong's last pro-democracy parties to disband itself</a>

Instead, it said it will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. This further prompted a furious response from the Hong Kong administration, which in a statement said Amnesty International was “attempting to cover up its mistakes and excuse itself for making the fabricated and malicious remarks that slandered Hong Kong and the mainland.”

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Amnesty International, the UK’s non-governmental human rights group, is under fire for issuing a fake alert over the disappearance of a Uyghur student in Hong Kong.

Amnesty International, the UK’s non-governmental human rights group, is under fire for issuing a fake alert over the disappearance of a Uyghur student in Hong Kong. Last Friday, the rights group reported that a student named Abuduwaili Abudureheman travelled from South Korea to Hong Kong to visit a friend on May 10; however, he had not been heard from since he told one of his friends over the phone that he was being questioned by airport authorities. Now, Amnesty has published a corrected version of the report which says the student is still in South Korea and he never travelled to Hong Kong. Amnesty issues clarification In the latest statement, Amnesty International has confirmed that the said student never travelled to Hong Kong, “contrary to previous information received.” Watch: Hong Kong rejects media tycoon Jimmy Lai's plea to terminate trial | WION Speed News × “We are pleased that Abuduwaili Abudureheman is accounted for,” it said. “We will continue to strive to offer support to people who reach out to us when they believe they or their loved ones are at risk of human rights violations.” Student in contact with professors in South Korea Earlier, Associated Press had reported that the Uyghur student was in contact with his professors in South Korea. He is pursuing a doctorate in sports studies and frequently contacts his teachers over his doctoral preparations. Although his school declined to give information about his whereabouts in South Korea citing privacy concerns, it referred to a professor to confirm that the student was still present in South Korea. Abudureheman has been studying in South Korea for seven years. Hong Kong government furious at Amnesty Following allegations levelled by Amnesty over the disappearance of the student, the Hong Kong administration hit back at the rights group calling them “groundless and unfounded”, stating that the group attempted to smear it. The administration also referred to governmental records claiming that neither the students ever entered Hong Kong territory, nor his entry request was rejected. It also demanded an apology from the group. However, Amnesty did not issue an apology in its correction statement. Also Read | Chinese repression forces Hong Kong's last pro-democracy parties to disband itself Instead, it said it will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. This further prompted a furious response from the Hong Kong administration, which in a statement said Amnesty International was “attempting to cover up its mistakes and excuse itself for making the fabricated and malicious remarks that slandered Hong Kong and the mainland.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Amnesty International clarifies ‘missing’ Uyghur student never travelled to Hong Kong 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has slammed Amnesty International after the group accused the Ukrainian army of endangering civilians and violating humanitarian law in their fight against Russian forces.

He called out the double standards of the international rights group saying that Amnesty had tried to "amnesty the terrorist state (Russia) and shift the responsibility from the aggressor to the victim", Zelensky said in his daily address, reports AFP.

The Ukrainian leader said that Amnesty was drawing a "false equivalence" between the actions of Russia's invading forces and Ukrainians defending their homeland.

“There is no condition, even hypothetically, under which any Russian strike on Ukraine becomes justified. Aggression against our state is unprovoked, invasive and terrorist," he said.

"If someone makes a report in which the victim and the aggressor are supposedly equal in some way, if some data about the victim is analysed, and the aggressor's actions at the same time is ignored, then this cannot be tolerated," he added.

In its report, Amnesty listed incidents when Ukrainian forces appeared to have exposed civilians to danger in 19 towns and villages in the Kharkiv, Donbas and Mykolaiv regions.

"We have documented a pattern of Ukrainian forces putting civilians at risk and violating the laws of war when they operate in populated areas," Amnesty secretary general Agnes Callamard said.

"Being in a defensive position does not exempt the Ukrainian military from respecting international humanitarian law."

The report noted that residential areas where Ukrainian soldiers based themselves were miles away from frontlines, and "viable alternatives" were available that would not endanger civilians,

Researchers from Amnesty further claimed to have witnessed Ukrainian forces using hospitals as "de facto military bases" in five areas, and 22 schools.

Though the schools were located in civilian neighbourhoods, they have been shut during the conflict.

"We have no say in what the military does, but we pay the price," the report quoted one resident as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has slammed Amnesty International after the group accused the Ukrainian army of endangering civilians and violating humanitarian law in their fight against Russian forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has slammed Amnesty International after the group accused the Ukrainian army of endangering civilians and violating humanitarian law in their fight against Russian forces. He called out the double standards of the international rights group saying that Amnesty had tried to "amnesty the terrorist state (Russia) and shift the responsibility from the aggressor to the victim", Zelensky said in his daily address, reports AFP. The Ukrainian leader said that Amnesty was drawing a "false equivalence" between the actions of Russia's invading forces and Ukrainians defending their homeland. “There is no condition, even hypothetically, under which any Russian strike on Ukraine becomes justified. Aggression against our state is unprovoked, invasive and terrorist," he said. "If someone makes a report in which the victim and the aggressor are supposedly equal in some way, if some data about the victim is analysed, and the aggressor's actions at the same time is ignored, then this cannot be tolerated," he added. In its report, Amnesty listed incidents when Ukrainian forces appeared to have exposed civilians to danger in 19 towns and villages in the Kharkiv, Donbas and Mykolaiv regions. "We have documented a pattern of Ukrainian forces putting civilians at risk and violating the laws of war when they operate in populated areas," Amnesty secretary general Agnes Callamard said. "Being in a defensive position does not exempt the Ukrainian military from respecting international humanitarian law." The report noted that residential areas where Ukrainian soldiers based themselves were miles away from frontlines, and "viable alternatives" were available that would not endanger civilians, Researchers from Amnesty further claimed to have witnessed Ukrainian forces using hospitals as "de facto military bases" in five areas, and 22 schools. Though the schools were located in civilian neighbourhoods, they have been shut during the conflict. "We have no say in what the military does, but we pay the price," the report quoted one resident as saying. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Zelensky slams Amnesty for drawing ‘false equivalence between Russian invaders and Ukrainian defenders’

Dozens of Syrians who returned home from abroad have been subject to detention, disappearance and torture by security forces,&nbsp;Amnesty&nbsp;International&nbsp;said Tuesday, warning Syria is not yet safe for repatriation.

In a report titled&nbsp;“You’re going to your death,”&nbsp;the rights group documented a series of violations by security forces against 66 Syrians, including 13 children, who have returned since 2017.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-the-cost-of-10-years-of-devastating-war-in-syria-387504">Explainer | The cost of 10 years of devastating war in Syria</a>

Amnesty&nbsp;said the cases proved "that no part of Syria is safe to return to."&nbsp;

"Syrian intelligence officers have subjected women, children and men returning to Syria to unlawful or arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment, including rape and sexual violence, and enforced disappearance," the rights group said.&nbsp;

Among the cases listed, the rights group documented five cases of returnees who died in detention.

The fates of 17 others who were forcibly disappeared remain unknown,&nbsp;Amnesty&nbsp;said.

The rights group also documented 14 cases of sexual violence committed by security forces, including seven cases of rape, committed against five women, a teenage boy and a five-year-old girl. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-cannot-take-new-refugee-burden-foreign-minister-says-409265">Turkey cannot take new refugee burden, foreign minister says</a>

“Any government claiming Syria is now safe is wilfully ignoring the horrific reality on the ground,"&nbsp;Amnesty&nbsp;said, calling on European governments to "immediately halt any practice directly or indirectly forcing people to return to Syria".

More than 6.6 million Syrians have sought refuge abroad since the start of the conflict in 2011, with most resettling in neighbouring countries such as Turkey and Lebanon.&nbsp;

Denmark, Sweden, and Turkey have recently upped the pressure on refugees to return home after a decade of war, arguing most of the country is now safe,&nbsp;Amnesty&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

The Syrians interviewed by&nbsp;Amnesty&nbsp;include returnees from Lebanon, which for years has exerted pressure on refugees to return.&nbsp;

The report cited testimony from a Syrian woman, Alaa, who was arrested along with her 25-year-old daughter at a border crossing as they came back from Lebanon.

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The two were detained for five days.&nbsp;

“They removed my daughter’s clothes. They handcuffed her and hung her on the wall. They beat her. She was totally naked. One put his penis inside her mouth," the report quoted Alaa as saying.

Dozens of Syrians who returned home from abroad have been subject to detention, disappearance and torture by security forces, Amnesty International said Tuesday, warning Syria is not yet safe for repatriation.

Dozens of Syrians who returned home from abroad have been subject to detention, disappearance and torture by security forces, Amnesty International said Tuesday, warning Syria is not yet safe for repatriation. In a report titled “You’re going to your death,” the rights group documented a series of violations by security forces against 66 Syrians, including 13 children, who have returned since 2017. Also read | Explainer | The cost of 10 years of devastating war in Syria Amnesty said the cases proved "that no part of Syria is safe to return to." "Syrian intelligence officers have subjected women, children and men returning to Syria to unlawful or arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment, including rape and sexual violence, and enforced disappearance," the rights group said. Among the cases listed, the rights group documented five cases of returnees who died in detention. The fates of 17 others who were forcibly disappeared remain unknown, Amnesty said. The rights group also documented 14 cases of sexual violence committed by security forces, including seven cases of rape, committed against five women, a teenage boy and a five-year-old girl. Also read | Turkey cannot take new refugee burden, foreign minister says “Any government claiming Syria is now safe is wilfully ignoring the horrific reality on the ground," Amnesty said, calling on European governments to "immediately halt any practice directly or indirectly forcing people to return to Syria". More than 6.6 million Syrians have sought refuge abroad since the start of the conflict in 2011, with most resettling in neighbouring countries such as Turkey and Lebanon. Denmark, Sweden, and Turkey have recently upped the pressure on refugees to return home after a decade of war, arguing most of the country is now safe, Amnesty said. The Syrians interviewed by Amnesty include returnees from Lebanon, which for years has exerted pressure on refugees to return. The report cited testimony from a Syrian woman, Alaa, who was arrested along with her 25-year-old daughter at a border crossing as they came back from Lebanon. The two were detained for five days. “They removed my daughter’s clothes. They handcuffed her and hung her on the wall. They beat her. She was totally naked. One put his penis inside her mouth," the report quoted Alaa as saying.

Returning Syrian refugees face torture, rape: Amnesty

Iran's supreme leader has agreed that people killed in nationwide unrest last month who had no role in fomenting it should be treated as "martyrs" with their families compensated.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was responding to a report on the protests made by Iran's Supreme National Security Council, his official website said Wednesday.

He ordered that its recommendations "be implemented as soon as possible".

Demonstrations erupted in Iran on November 15 against a surprise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-erupt-in-iran-over-fuel-price-hike-262533">hike in petrol prices</a> by as much as 200 per cent.

Iran has yet to give overall figures for the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-disputes-exaggerated-protest-death-tolls-265440">people killed or arrested</a> when security forces moved in to quell the unrest that saw buildings torched and shops looted.

London-based human rights group Amnesty International said on Monday that at least 208 people had died.

But Iran has dismissed the high death tolls reported by foreign sources as "utter lies".

Khamenei agreed to the recommendation that "normal citizens with no role in the recent protests and riots who died in the clashes" be treated as "martyrs" with their families eligible for support from the Martyrs and Veterans Foundation.

Iran usually grants the title of a martyr to soldiers killed on duty and the foundation is tasked with providing their families with financial benefits and better housing, employment and education opportunities.

Khamenei said that families whose loved ones "lost their lives in any way during the demonstrations" would be "paid their blood money as restitution".

Blood money is an Islamic legal term for financial compensation payable by law to the families of murder victims.

Even the families of those "killed while armed and in clashes with security forces" would not be held accountable for their loved ones' actions&nbsp;but would be shown "Islamic clemency" and "compensated proportionally", Khamenei's statement said.

Iran has blamed the violence that broke out during the protests on "thugs" backed by its foes the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

It has also accused exiled royalists and the People's Mujahedeen of Iran (MEK), an exiled former rebel group which it considers a "terrorist" cult, of being behind the violence.

Israel and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-not-mulling-14000-more-troops-for-middle-east-pentagon-266317">United States</a> have seized on the protests as evidence Tehran's authority is "tottering" in the face of the crippling US sanctions President Donald Trump reimposed last year.

Iran's supreme leader has agreed that people killed in nationwide unrest last month who had no role in fomenting it should be treated as "martyrs" with their families compensated.

Iran's supreme leader has agreed that people killed in nationwide unrest last month who had no role in fomenting it should be treated as "martyrs" with their families compensated. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was responding to a report on the protests made by Iran's Supreme National Security Council, his official website said Wednesday. He ordered that its recommendations "be implemented as soon as possible". Demonstrations erupted in Iran on November 15 against a surprise hike in petrol prices by as much as 200 per cent. Iran has yet to give overall figures for the number of people killed or arrested when security forces moved in to quell the unrest that saw buildings torched and shops looted. London-based human rights group Amnesty International said on Monday that at least 208 people had died. But Iran has dismissed the high death tolls reported by foreign sources as "utter lies". Khamenei agreed to the recommendation that "normal citizens with no role in the recent protests and riots who died in the clashes" be treated as "martyrs" with their families eligible for support from the Martyrs and Veterans Foundation. Iran usually grants the title of a martyr to soldiers killed on duty and the foundation is tasked with providing their families with financial benefits and better housing, employment and education opportunities. Khamenei said that families whose loved ones "lost their lives in any way during the demonstrations" would be "paid their blood money as restitution". Blood money is an Islamic legal term for financial compensation payable by law to the families of murder victims. Even the families of those "killed while armed and in clashes with security forces" would not be held accountable for their loved ones' actions but would be shown "Islamic clemency" and "compensated proportionally", Khamenei's statement said. Iran has blamed the violence that broke out during the protests on "thugs" backed by its foes the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia. It has also accused exiled royalists and the People's Mujahedeen of Iran (MEK), an exiled former rebel group which it considers a "terrorist" cult, of being behind the violence. Israel and the United States have seized on the protests as evidence Tehran's authority is "tottering" in the face of the crippling US sanctions President Donald Trump reimposed last year.

Khamenei orders Iran unrest victims treated as 'martyrs'

Iranians have defeated the "enemy's conspiracy" and were celebrating their victory, President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday after deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-unblock-internet-once-abuse-stops-government-263177">nationwide protests</a> against a petrol price hike.

Demonstrations broke out in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-what-would-an-unstable-iran-mean-for-the-world-263349">Islamic republic</a> on Friday after it was announced the price of petrol would be immediately raised by as much as 200 per cent.

"Our people have been victorious against... the enemy's conspiracy," Rouhani said in remarks at a meeting of his cabinet aired on state television.

"Those anarchists who came out onto the streets were few in number," he said.

"They were organised, armed anarchists" who took to the streets "based on a plot that the region's reactionary, the Zionists and Americans had hatched," he said, referring to Saudi Arabia, Israel and the United States.

"You've seen in recent days huge spontaneous gatherings were held in various cities," including Zanjan, Shahr-e Kord and Zanjan among others, Rouhani said.

"This is the biggest display of the power of the nation of Iran.

"That is to say that the nation of Iran has shown the world its vigilance, awareness, unity and solidarity with the entire system" of the Islamic republic, he added.

The protests began with motorists blocking major roads in the capital Tehran and elsewhere.

They spread rapidly to at least 40 cities and towns, with petrol pumps torched, police stations attacked and shops looted.

Officials have confirmed five deaths, including three security personnel stabbed by "rioters".

But London-based rights group <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100-protesters-believed-killed-in-iran-amnesty-263228">Amnesty International</a> said Tuesday that more than 100 demonstrators were believed to have been killed.

The full extent of the bloodshed is difficult to ascertain given a near-total internet blackout, now in its fourth day.

Iranians have defeated the "enemy's conspiracy" and were celebrating their victory, President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday after deadly nationwide protests against a petrol price hike.

Iranians have defeated the "enemy's conspiracy" and were celebrating their victory, President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday after deadly nationwide protests against a petrol price hike. Demonstrations broke out in the Islamic republic on Friday after it was announced the price of petrol would be immediately raised by as much as 200 per cent. "Our people have been victorious against... the enemy's conspiracy," Rouhani said in remarks at a meeting of his cabinet aired on state television. "Those anarchists who came out onto the streets were few in number," he said. "They were organised, armed anarchists" who took to the streets "based on a plot that the region's reactionary, the Zionists and Americans had hatched," he said, referring to Saudi Arabia, Israel and the United States. "You've seen in recent days huge spontaneous gatherings were held in various cities," including Zanjan, Shahr-e Kord and Zanjan among others, Rouhani said. "This is the biggest display of the power of the nation of Iran. "That is to say that the nation of Iran has shown the world its vigilance, awareness, unity and solidarity with the entire system" of the Islamic republic, he added. The protests began with motorists blocking major roads in the capital Tehran and elsewhere. They spread rapidly to at least 40 cities and towns, with petrol pumps torched, police stations attacked and shops looted. Officials have confirmed five deaths, including three security personnel stabbed by "rioters". But London-based rights group Amnesty International said Tuesday that more than 100 demonstrators were believed to have been killed. The full extent of the bloodshed is difficult to ascertain given a near-total internet blackout, now in its fourth day.

Rouhani says 'enemy conspiracy' defeated in protest-hit Iran

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/icc-approves-probe-into-alleged-myanmar-rohingya-abuse-262151">Myanmar</a>&nbsp;judge&nbsp;on Monday extended the&nbsp;sentences&nbsp;of a troupe of satirical performers&nbsp;jailed&nbsp;for&nbsp;mocking&nbsp;the&nbsp;military, in a case that has raised a new concern about freedom of expression.

Seven members of the Peacock Generation troupe were arrested in April after taking part in Thangyat, a centuries-old form of poetry and performance that pokes fun at the flaws and foibles of the social and political system.

During live shows and a Facebook broadcast, they criticized the army’s continued role in politics and shared pictures of a dog in a&nbsp;military&nbsp;jacket.

Five members of the troupe were sentenced last month to a year in jail with hard labor for undermining the armed forces.

A court in the commercial capital of Yangon on Monday added another year under the same charge. The performers are being sued in multiple townships.

The&nbsp;sentences&nbsp;will run concurrently, meaning the&nbsp;poets&nbsp;will serve an additional 18 days in prison, lawyer San San Myint told Reuters.

A sixth performer was sentenced to a year with hard labour, while another was acquitted.

Some of them are facing additional charges under the Telecommunications Act which covers online defamation.

The performers all denied any wrongdoing.

Two&nbsp;military&nbsp;spokesmen did not answer phone calls seeking comment.

The&nbsp;military&nbsp;ruled with an iron fist for nearly 50 years until a gradual transition to democracy began in 2011 under a constitution drafted with the supervision of the generals, which gives them significant powers over a civilian government.

Human rights group Amnesty International condemned the&nbsp;judge's ruling as "a relentless assault on freedom of expression".

"These new convictions against the Peacock Generation are signs of a relentless assault on freedom of expression in&nbsp;Myanmar," Nicholas Bequelin of Amnesty International said in a statement.

"It is ludicrous that these performers have yet to face even more charges and jail terms in the future. The authorities must end this madness and release them all immediately and without conditions."

Paing Phyo Min, one of the&nbsp;poets, addressed reporters outside the court in a blue prison uniform, his feet shackled.

"The&nbsp;military, which sues and imprisons people, is an institution with no dignity," he said.

"Such an institution with no dignity is a villain for our country."

A Myanmar judge on Monday extended the sentences of a troupe of satirical performers jailed for mocking the military, in a case that has raised a new concern about freedom of expression.

A Myanmar judge on Monday extended the sentences of a troupe of satirical performers jailed for mocking the military, in a case that has raised a new concern about freedom of expression. Seven members of the Peacock Generation troupe were arrested in April after taking part in Thangyat, a centuries-old form of poetry and performance that pokes fun at the flaws and foibles of the social and political system. During live shows and a Facebook broadcast, they criticized the army’s continued role in politics and shared pictures of a dog in a military jacket. Five members of the troupe were sentenced last month to a year in jail with hard labor for undermining the armed forces. A court in the commercial capital of Yangon on Monday added another year under the same charge. The performers are being sued in multiple townships. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning the poets will serve an additional 18 days in prison, lawyer San San Myint told Reuters. A sixth performer was sentenced to a year with hard labour, while another was acquitted. Some of them are facing additional charges under the Telecommunications Act which covers online defamation. The performers all denied any wrongdoing. Two military spokesmen did not answer phone calls seeking comment. The military ruled with an iron fist for nearly 50 years until a gradual transition to democracy began in 2011 under a constitution drafted with the supervision of the generals, which gives them significant powers over a civilian government. Human rights group Amnesty International condemned the judge's ruling as "a relentless assault on freedom of expression". "These new convictions against the Peacock Generation are signs of a relentless assault on freedom of expression in Myanmar," Nicholas Bequelin of Amnesty International said in a statement. "It is ludicrous that these performers have yet to face even more charges and jail terms in the future. The authorities must end this madness and release them all immediately and without conditions." Paing Phyo Min, one of the poets, addressed reporters outside the court in a blue prison uniform, his feet shackled. "The military, which sues and imprisons people, is an institution with no dignity," he said. "Such an institution with no dignity is a villain for our country."

Myanmar judge extends sentences for poets jailed for mocking military

Tanzania's opposition party says it will boycott local elections later this month, accusing the government of impeding its candidates from running and making a mockery of democratic processes.

Chadema, the main opposition outfit that has faced increasing hostility under President John Magufuli, made the announcement late Thursday following an extraordinary meeting of its leadership.

"Our party believes it is wiser not to support such electoral cheating. To continue to participate in elections of this kind is to legitimise illegality," said Chadema president Freeman Mbowe.

Selemani Jafo, the minister for local government, expressed surprise at the decision, adding there would be remedies for candidates who felt they had been wronged.

But Chadema accused electoral authorities of being complicit in scuttling their campaign efforts.&nbsp;

Mbowe said several Chadema candidates had been outright disqualified by electoral officials from running in the nationwide November 24 polls to choose local government leaders.

Others had found registration offices closed when they tried to apply or discovered their applications had been tampered with, he added.

Rights groups say the intimidation of political opponents has escalated sharply under Magufuli, a strongman elected in 2015 whose administration has wielded wide-ranging laws to silence government critics.

Police have broken up opposition gatherings and shut down Chadema meetings, the party says.&nbsp;

Their activists have been kidnapped and beaten, and at least one has blamed authorities for an attack in 2017 which saw him shot multiple times.

Several have disappeared and turned up murdered.

"Magufuli and his party are afraid. We are not going to participate in this charade," Mbowe said of the upcoming elections.

The victors in the local polls form the political backbone for campaigning ahead of general elections slated for 2020.&nbsp;

Magufuli, whose nickname "tingatinga" means "bulldozer" in Swahili, is expected to run for another five-year term.

His rule has been marked by a democratic backslide in Tanzania, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said in a report last month.

Free media has been cowed by draconian cybercrime laws, critical newspapers and bloggers have been silenced, and opposition activists harassed unlawfully, the report stated.

Tanzania's opposition party says it will boycott local elections later this month, accusing the government of impeding its candidates from running and making a mockery of democratic processes.

Tanzania's opposition party says it will boycott local elections later this month, accusing the government of impeding its candidates from running and making a mockery of democratic processes. Chadema, the main opposition outfit that has faced increasing hostility under President John Magufuli, made the announcement late Thursday following an extraordinary meeting of its leadership. "Our party believes it is wiser not to support such electoral cheating. To continue to participate in elections of this kind is to legitimise illegality," said Chadema president Freeman Mbowe. Selemani Jafo, the minister for local government, expressed surprise at the decision, adding there would be remedies for candidates who felt they had been wronged. But Chadema accused electoral authorities of being complicit in scuttling their campaign efforts. Mbowe said several Chadema candidates had been outright disqualified by electoral officials from running in the nationwide November 24 polls to choose local government leaders. Others had found registration offices closed when they tried to apply or discovered their applications had been tampered with, he added. Rights groups say the intimidation of political opponents has escalated sharply under Magufuli, a strongman elected in 2015 whose administration has wielded wide-ranging laws to silence government critics. Police have broken up opposition gatherings and shut down Chadema meetings, the party says. Their activists have been kidnapped and beaten, and at least one has blamed authorities for an attack in 2017 which saw him shot multiple times. Several have disappeared and turned up murdered. "Magufuli and his party are afraid. We are not going to participate in this charade," Mbowe said of the upcoming elections. The victors in the local polls form the political backbone for campaigning ahead of general elections slated for 2020. Magufuli, whose nickname "tingatinga" means "bulldozer" in Swahili, is expected to run for another five-year term. His rule has been marked by a democratic backslide in Tanzania, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said in a report last month. Free media has been cowed by draconian cybercrime laws, critical newspapers and bloggers have been silenced, and opposition activists harassed unlawfully, the report stated.

Tanzania's opposition to boycott elections over 'cheating'

Amnesty International sued Israeli Defence Ministry over Pegasus. Watch video to know more.

Amnesty International sued Israeli Defence Ministry over Pegasus