At least 240 people have been charged with treason in the East African country of Tanzania following protests over an election.

President Samia Suhulu Hassan was declared winner of the election with 98% of the vote. However, parties that were not allowed to participate in the vote have protested.

Various sources have reported that protesters who came out to voice their opinions clashed with security forces and hundreds of people were killed.

The Tanzanian government has downplayed the extent of the protests and said the elections were free and fair.

Several people who appeared in Dar es Salaam court were charged with treason.

According to a court document seen by the BBC, the defendants are charged with inciting protests to disrupt the election.

They could face the death penalty if convicted, but it is common practice in Tanzania to commute death sentences to life imprisonment.