For four years, Peter Michael Madeleka built a career as a corporate lawyer, deeply engrossed in the intricacies of corporate legal work. Human rights law was far from his focus—until a life-altering event in 2019 changed everything.
In 2019, Peter was unjustly arrested and charged with money laundering, leading to nearly two years of incarceration with his wife, Jamila Ilomo. Peter was wrongfully convicted due to a coerced plea bargain with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He later petitioned the High Court of and the court ruled in his favor, overturning the conviction and recognizing the illegality of the plea bargain. This pivotal case inspired Peter to transition from corporate law to human rights advocacy, focusing on justice and protecting others’ rights.
What happened to Peter, and his wife is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader pattern of human rights violations affecting many Tanzanians. There is a disturbing trend of framing innocent people with trumped-up, non-bailable money laundering charges. These charges are used as a tool to curtail individuals’ basic human rights, particularly the right to liberty. Once imprisoned, the accused are often coerced into plea bargain agreements, where they have no real option but to buy their freedom, further entrenching the injustice.
In 2022, Peter, now a human rights advocate and legal expert, intervened in the case of nine individuals charged with murder and terrorism. The charges stemmed from an incident in April 2014, when a makeshift bomb exploded at a crowded bar in Arusha, injuring fifteen people. The nine were arrested and accused of serious criminal acts intended to cause harm and instill fear within the public or a specific community. The nature of the alleged crimes and the lengthy period of pre-trial detention, amounting to nine years on remand, highlighted significant concerns about the legal process and the rights of the accused. Peter’s legal efforts led to a significant outcome: the High Court of Tanzania, Arusha Sub-Registry, ruled in favour of the accused, resulting in their acquittal. This acquittal was a landmark decision, emphasising the need for timely justice and the protection of detainees’ rights.
“I was really extremely happy to see those nine individuals regain their freedom through my efforts.”
While advocating for the rights of others is rewarding, it comes at a significant cost. Peter has been labelled as a government critic, making him a target for harrassment. He frequently faces trumped-up, non-bailable charges that lead to unjust imprisonment. To counter these challenges, Peter actively engages on social media platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook. He has significantly advocated for systemic changes by sharing his legal expertise and promoting the rule of law and respect for human rights. His efforts have garnered widespread support from the public and some honest government officials.
"To be a human rights defender is not an easy task. One has to sacrifice his or her life."
His long-term goal is to drive change in major legal frameworks, particularly the Constitution, and to strengthen the protection of human rights in Tanzania. He also aims to establish programs that raise public awareness about the importance of human rights. According to him, the future of human rights advocacy, particularly in the legal arena, appears promising, with the government engaging with stakeholders to enhance laws and regulations. Peter aspires to leave a legacy of courage, knowledge, and experience in defending human rights, remaining undeterred by any threats.
"This career is not rewarding and promising in terms of personal financial gain. Rather, it is a career that requires dedication to serve people. To achieve this end, one needs to fully commit oneself to the promotion and protection of human rights. One has to forego other benefits and opportunities that would otherwise be obtained from other careers."