Tanzanians React As Chinese Nationals Run From Court

Six Chinese nationals who ran out of a court in Tanzania after their economic sabotage charges were dropped have sparked reactions online.

The charges were dropped after the director of prosecutions told the magistrate in a Dar es Salaam court that he had no intention of proceeding with the case, the privately-owned Mwananchi newspaper reported on Friday.

Immediately they were released, the Chinese men fled the court while running, into a vehicle outside and sped away.

It is not clear why they had to run.

The accused, who were employees of the Sinota Shipping Company, faced three charges that were non-bailable – meaning they would have remained in detention as their case was being heard.

One person commented on popular blogging platform JamiiForums: “Maybe they thought the court would change its decision before they got out.”

Another said: “When they think about the situation in court and in jail and then remember about their families in China – and then all of a sudden you are told you are free, to run is a must …”