The Tanzanian government says the arrest of two opposition politicians and a lawyer has nothing to do with their criticism of the government's deal with a United Arab Emirates firm to manage the country's ports.
The arrested trio - former opposition leader and ex-ambassador to Sweden, Willibrod Slaa, activist Mpaluka Nyagali and lawyer Boniface Mwabukusi - are some of the leading critics of the port deal.
However, the government alleged that their detention was linked to “specific public threats", including "calling for the violent overthrow of the government”.
Lawyers for accused, who are still being held in police custody, have not commented on the allegations.
No-one will be arrested for simply criticising the port deal or any other government projects, according to a statement by Information Minister Nape Nnauye.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called for unconditional release of the detainees.
Source: BBC