A top Tanzanian official who launched a surveillance squad dedicated to hunting down gay people has been banned by the US from entering the country.
The US state department said Paul Makonda, the administrative chief of the capital Dar es Salaam, was involved in "gross violations of human rights".
His immediate family members have also been barred from visiting the US.
A crackdown on freedom of expression has been on the rise since President John Magufuli came into office in 2015.
Human rights groups also accuse Mr Magufuli of repressing political dissent, detaining human rights activists, and muzzling the media.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted on Friday that Mr Makonda's ban came amidst concern about the "deteriorating" state of human rights in Tanzania.
Today we designated Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Christian Makonda as ineligible to enter the U.S. for his involvement in gross violations of #humanrights. We are deeply concerned over deteriorating respect for human rights and rule of law in #Tanzania.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 31, 2020
"[Mr Makonda has] also been implicated in the oppression of the political opposition, crackdowns on freedom of expression and association, and the targeting of marginalized individuals," a statement from the US state department said.
It also accused him of being involved in "gross violations of human rights, which include flagrant denial of the right to life, liberty, or the security of persons".
When Mr Makonda - an ally of President Magufuli - launched the anti-gay surveillance force in 2018, he said that he expected international criticism for the move, but added: "I prefer to anger those countries than to anger God."
Homosexual acts are illegal in Tanzania and many gay, lesbian and transgender people are forced to hide their sexuality as a result.
Meanwhile, also on Friday, the US added Tanzania to an expanded list of countries whose citizens are barred from obtaining certain types of immigration visas.
Latest Stories
-
‘I did not bribe anybody, my action was misconstrued’ – MP involved in Ejisu ‘envelope’ incident
6 mins -
Respect is earned, not commanded – Raymond Atuguba tells public officials
25 mins -
TikTok and Universal settle music royalties dispute
39 mins -
Failure to properly transfer gun ownership can land you behind bars
47 mins -
Reduce over-reliance on imports to stabilise cedi – TUC boss tells Ghanaians
1 hour -
‘We’re taking it game by game’ – Ibrahim Tanko on Accra Lions’ title ambitions
1 hour -
Nigerians pick sides as Wizkid and Davido clash online
1 hour -
Nigeria Workers’ Day: Civil servants get pay rises up to 35%
1 hour -
“I am the Austrian team boss with all my heart,” Rangnick turns down Bayern
2 hours -
Failed asylum seeker given £3,000 to go to Rwanda
2 hours -
Nigerian gasoline prices soar as shortages worsen cost of living crisis
2 hours -
Paris 2024: We will win medal at Olympics if government invests more – GPC President
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo calls for protection of Ghana’s democratic reputation and identity
2 hours -
Apple working to fix alarming iPhone issue
2 hours -
‘You won’t win GPL title without your own stadium’ – Bashir Hayford tells Kotoko, Hearts
2 hours