A Tanzanian is suing the US government for torture

Tanzanian national Andrew Hango, who has lived in the US for more than 20 years, alleges that US government agents have seriously violated his human rights.

He has filed a lawsuit, requesting $5 million (more than Sh12 billion) in damages for the abuse he suffered at the hands of police enforcement that left him permanently disabled, imprisoned for seven years without cause, and subjected him to excruciating physical and mental suffering.

Mr. Hango said over the weekend via Zoom to a portion of Tanzania’s media outlets that US customs agents mistook him for an illegal immigrant, resulting in physical handicap, harassment, and torture even though he was married to an American and had legal documentation.

The US Embassy in Tanzania was called, but they declined to comment. But in a formal statement, the Department of State in Washington acknowledged Mr. Hango’s case and instructed him to take legal action in the courts.

Mr. Hango describes how he was detained and subjected to harsh abuse by customs authorities at a US airport in 2004, leaving him crippled and without assistance. He claims that in spite of his wounds, he was not given medical care and was instead compelled to board a plane in order to be deported to Tanzania.

Because of his health, the airline, however, declined to let him board.

I’ve had a really challenging life for the past 20 years. I have experienced a variety of sorts of torture,” he said.