US: Paul Makonda, who announced a crackdown on gay people in Dar es Salaam in 2018, was barred from visiting the United States

WASHINGTON, Jan 31 (Reuters) - The United States said on Friday it banned from visiting the country a Tanzanian official who announced a crackdown on homosexuality in Dar es Salaam in 2018. The U.S. State Department said it was taking the action against Paul Makonda, administrative chief of the Tanzania capital, "due to his involvement in gross violations of human rights, which include the flagrant denial of the right to life, liberty, or the security of persons."

It said Makonda had "also been implicated in oppression of the political opposition, crack-downs on freedom of expression and association, and the targeting of marginalized individuals."

The move bars Makonda and his immediate family members from visiting the United States.

The State Department declined say what specific action by Makonda brought about the designation, but expressed "deep concern about deteriorating respect for human rights and rule of law in Tanzania." Read more via Openly