Zanzibar police says it ordered arrest of marijuana smokers, not those eating in public during Ramadhan

Unguja. Police said here on Tuesday that there was no law that prohibits one from eating publicly at daytime during the Holy Month of Ramadhan, explaining that the arrest order was only meant for those smoking marijuana.

The explanation by Zanzibar Police Commissioner CP Hamad Khamis Hamad comes after days of confusion over reports that several people were arrested in Zanzibar for eating in public during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The Police had earlier said that the arrests were made after an investigation prompted by a circulated video showing people eating during daylight hours in Mnazi Mmoja Square, violating the fasting norms of Ramadhan.

Those who were reported to have been arrested for eating publicly during daytime are Issa Hamad Juma (40) from Kikwajuni, Hamad Hamis Indole (25) from Mtwara, Hashimu Bakari Nassoro (35) from Kwarara; and Selemani Ismail Nalinga (34) from Magogoni, among others.

The confusion was so tense that the State House was once compelled to issue a statement condemning the alleged harassments.

However, Mr Hamad said on Tuesday April 2 that while some reports claimed the operation targeted people eating in public during daylight hours of Ramadan, the story was actually a different one.

“There is absolutely no law prohibiting people from eating during Ramadan,” he asserted.

“The recent operation stemmed from a disturbing video showing individuals smoking marijuana in public,” he explained. “Marijuana is a criminal offense, and I ordered an operation to apprehend those involved.”

CP Hamad acknowledged an unfortunate consequence of the operation. “The issue,” he admitted, “is that it ended up arresting both those smoking marijuana and others simply eating in public.”

He further clarified the role of the Zanzibar Police in such situations. “Other government agencies conduct operations targeting public eating during Ramadan,” he said, citing another recent incident involving the arrest of Maasai hawkers at Darajani. “Our role is to ensure these operations are conducted peacefully and safely.”

He did not reveal whether 12 individuals who were arrested have been released or taken to court as it had been communicated earlier.

Meanwhile, the Zanzibar Tourism Commission, also joined in the act after it fined Organisateur Francophone Tours and Travel a fine of $500 for violating the Commission’s guidelines and allowing tourists to eat in public during this holy month of Ramadhan.

“Despite issuing guidelines and directives for tourism businesses to follow, the company allowed guests to eat in public.”

The Commission imposed a fine of $500 and immediately suspended a tour guide, Khamis Kahogo, from conducting any tourism activities for three months.

“The Zanzibar Tourism Commission emphasizes the importance of respecting the customs and traditions of the islands of Zanzibar, especially during the Ramadhan period, to promote good relations with the surrounding communities,” the statement further read.