The victims accuse President Samia Suluhu Hassan and security agencies of using extreme violence against civilians.
The petition was prepared by the Madrid Bar Association and filed on behalf of protesters, journalists, activists, and members of indigenous communities who say they suffered serious human rights violations.
The petition was prepared by the Madrid Bar Association and filed on behalf of protesters, journalists, activists, and members of indigenous communities who say they suffered serious human rights violations.
According to their lawyer, Juan Carlos Gutierrez, the ICC is their last hope after years of seeking justice without results.
Gutierrez explained that the 82-page document submitted to the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor details shocking allegations, including killings, torture, sexual assaults, enforced disappearances, and the forced eviction of Maasai families from their ancestral land.
Gutierrez explained that the 82-page document submitted to the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor details shocking allegations, including killings, torture, sexual assaults, enforced disappearances, and the forced eviction of Maasai families from their ancestral land.
He added that internet shutdowns and misuse of the Cybercrimes Act made it hard for victims to communicate, document abuses, or seek help.
“These actions were not isolated,” the petition states.
“They formed part of a widespread and systematic attack on civilians before, during, and after the October 29, 2025 general elections.”
The document argues that the crimes fall under Article 7 of the Rome Statute, which defines crimes against humanity.
Victims claim that thousands were harmed or silenced as the government attempted to control the flow of information.
Victims claim that thousands were harmed or silenced as the government attempted to control the flow of information.
Many families say their loved ones disappeared after arrests, never to be seen again. Others say survivors were threatened into keeping quiet.
Gutierrez told the ICC that delaying action would allow more evidence to be destroyed and witnesses to be intimidated.
Gutierrez told the ICC that delaying action would allow more evidence to be destroyed and witnesses to be intimidated.
He insisted the responsibility falls directly on the president, who, as commander-in-chief, oversees the country’s security forces.
According to him, the violent response was carried out with the knowledge and approval of senior government officials.
“The victims have waited long enough,” the lawyer said. “Every day without action deepens the suffering and increases the risk that these crimes will continue.”
The petition asks the ICC prosecutor to open a preliminary examination immediately and begin investigating the events.
“The victims have waited long enough,” the lawyer said. “Every day without action deepens the suffering and increases the risk that these crimes will continue.”
The petition asks the ICC prosecutor to open a preliminary examination immediately and begin investigating the events.
Filing a complaint does not automatically mean an indictment will follow, but it allows the ICC to review the evidence and determine if the court should intervene.
International pressure has also been building. Earlier, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen—who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—called for an independent investigation into the alleged mass killings.
Her remarks came shortly after a CNN documentary exposed footage of mass graves believed to contain victims of the post-election violence.
According to Senator Shaheen, the documentary highlighted “disturbing actions” that require a neutral inquiry.
According to Senator Shaheen, the documentary highlighted “disturbing actions” that require a neutral inquiry.
She stressed that families deserve to know what happened to their missing relatives and that justice is critical for restoring trust in Tanzania’s institutions.
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