From Prison to Freedom: LHRC Secures Justice for Rehema Ndoje After 26 Years on Death Row
Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) successfully supported the release of Ms. Rehema Ndoje, who spent 26 years in prison after being sentenced to death by hanging for the alleged murder of her eight-month-old child. Her appeal remained unheard for nearly two decades due to missing court records, resulting in a prolonged violation of her constitutional right to a fair and timely hearing.
Following legal intervention and continuous follow-up by LHRC, the Court of Appeal of Tanzania on 13 February 2026 ordered her release after finding that her rights had been severely violated. Rehema’s case highlights the urgent need for reforms in Tanzania’s criminal justice system, including improved case management, protection of constitutional rights, and abolition of the death penalty.
LHRC’s intervention included legal follow-up, prison visits, coordination with judicial authorities, and psychosocial support throughout the appeal process. The case stands as an important example of LHRC’s continued commitment to defending human rights and ensuring access to justice for vulnerable individuals.
For more information about this death penalty case and LHRC’s intervention, please download and read the full attached document.
