In a disturbing escalation of police pressure on PIUMA, local authorities detained PIUMA advisor Jackson Mbogela in Iringa for questioning today. Members of PIUMA spoke out at a public meeting last week with the Prime Minister of Tanazania, asking (among other things) where and how Global Fund money designated to fight AIDS in Makete had disappeared.

Mr. Mbogela was among those who voiced PIUMA's concerns to the Prime Minister. EAWM and Highlands Hope are arranging legal counsel for Mr. Mbogela and will protest in the strongest terms to Tanzanian government authorities this kind of harassment.

PIUMA members are gathered this afternoon to discuss their strategy in response to these anti-democratic acts by the police.

October 7, 2006.