Tanzania Says 15 Are Linked to Acid Attacks

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/18/world/africa/tanzania-says-15-are-linked-to-acid-attacks.html

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ZANZIBAR, Tanzania — The police in Zanzibar said Tuesday that they had arrested 15 people in connection with a spate of acid attacks in recent months.

Police Commissioner Mussa Ali Mussa said some suspects had links to Al Qaeda and the Somali Islamist extremist group Shabab, but he offered no evidence to support that statement. When pressed for details, Commissioner Mussa hung up, and his cellphone was turned off.

Earlier, he said the police had seized 29 liters of acid from various people who were not legally entitled to have it.

Last week, a Catholic priest was badly injured in the fifth acid attack in Zanzibar since November. The attacks included one last month in which two young British women doing volunteer work were injured when acid was thrown in their faces.

Some analysts took issue with the assertion that terror groups have a presence in Zanzibar and may have been involved in the attacks.

Mohammed Hafidh, an economist, said he doubted the validity of the police commissioner’s statement.

Mr. Hafidh said the acid attacks did not bear the hallmarks of Qaeda and Shabab acts. Both groups are known for deadly and large-scale attacks.

The acid attacks are affecting tourism, Zanzibar’s main economic activity, Mr. Hafidh said.

Zanzibar, a melting pot of African, Indian and Arabian cultures and influences, draws visitors from around the world attracted by the archipelago’s natural beauty and powdery white sand beaches.

Ahmeid Rajab, the managing director of the Somali satellite television network Universal TV, said Zanzibar was unlikely to have a Shabab or Qaeda presence, adding, “After all, those radical groups never, ever use acid to advance their goals.” He said the police were looking for an excuse to escape blame for failing to arrest real suspects.