Tanzanian Gov’t Forces Tundu Lissu To Defend Himself In Treason Trial
Tundu Lissu, Tanzania’s opposition leader, told a court on Monday that he had been denied basic legal rights and that he would defend himself against a treason allegation punishable by death.
The feisty lawmaker was imprisoned in April, a move condemned by international rights organizations and monitors who demanded his release.
It comes as authorities in the East African country step up their crackdown on Lissu’s opposition Chadema party ahead of the presidential and legislative elections in October.
Lissu told the crowded courtroom that he had been refused confidential access to his counsel since his imprisonment.
“All the 68 days they have not been allowed to see me or speak to me,” he said.
“It is time to step aside and let me do what I must do. From now on I will be my own lawyer,” he said.
Mwenyekiti wa CHADEMA Taifa, #TunduLissu ambaye anakabiliwa na Kesi mbili kwenye Mahakama ya Kisutu amesema kwa siku 68 ambazo amekuwa Gerezani, amenyimwa haki ya kuzungumza kwa faragha na Mawakili wake ambao wamekuwa wakienda kuonana naye
— Jamii Forums (@JamiiForums) June 16, 2025
Ameongeza kuwa licha ya hivyo yeye… pic.twitter.com/tFpDQdimw0
Chadema was disqualified from the next elections because it refused to sign an electoral code of conduct.
Lissu has led a strong campaign against the administration, stating that his party will not participate in elections until significant electoral reforms are implemented.
Wearing a shirt with the slogan “No Reforms, No Election,” Lissu informed the judge that, although not being condemned yet, he has been assigned to the prison’s death row section.
“I am under constant surveillance by day and night,” Lissu said, adding he has also been denied the freedom to worship.
He has been arrested several times before, but this is the first time he has faced such serious charges.
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Amnesty International and other rights groups have advocated for his unrestricted release.
Lissu’s party accuses President Samia Suluhu Hassan of reverting to the authoritarian practices of her predecessor, John Magufuli.
In May, two Kenyan and Ugandan activists were imprisoned after traveling to Tanzania to support the opposition leader.
Both alleged being tortured and sexually abused by the officers who detained them.
Tanzanian Gov’t Forces Tundu Lissu To Defend Himself In Treason Trial
