VICE Chairperson of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) Mohamed Khamis Hamad has reminded members of the public that police officers are also entitled to the same rights and freedoms as other citizens and are protected by laws when performing their duties.

VICE Chairperson of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) Mohamed Khamis Hamad has reminded members of the public that police officers are also entitled to the same rights and freedoms as other citizens and are protected by laws when performing their duties.

 Speaking during a human rights and good governance education session for police officers at Kiteto Police Station over the weekend, he noted that while they enforce laws and maintain public order, they are also entitled to fundamental rights and freedoms.

 “Human rights apply to everyone as stated in the 1977 Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.”, he said.Mohamed stated that Articles 12 to 25 of the Constitution outline various rights, including equality before the law, non-discrimination and others that everyone is entitled too.

"By saying this, it means that even you, as police officers, have rights just like other human beings," he added. Furthermore, Mohamed stressed that police officers have the right to perform their duties as guided by the law without violating the rights of suspects.

According to him, there have been challenges whereby some people despise police officers and others even attack them without considering that they, too, are human beings with equal rights.

Additionally, he called on citizens to respect the police officers as they are responsible for protecting the people and their property.The police officers expressed their gratitude to CHRAGG for providing awareness on human rights and good governance, which they believe will enhance their work performance.

Moreover, the officers requested the commission to convey their appreciation to the government for continuing to promote officers to higher ranks.