Tanzania is holding about 500
suspected sex workers and nearly 300 of their alleged customers in
detention as part of a crackdown on prostitution.
The first
suspects will start appearing in court on Wednesday, Dar es Salaam's
deputy police commissioner told the BBC, confirming the arrests.
Rights
groups have condemned the arrests, which started a week ago, urging
police not to hold suspects beyond the legal 48-hour limit.
Prostitution is illegal in Tanzania.
Tanzania's new President John Magufuli, who came to power on an
anti-corruption platform, has previously criticised prostitution in the
country.