Lissu Begins Defence In Tanzania Treason Trial

Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has begun presenting his defence in a treason trial, describing the case against him as politically motivated.

Lissu, who leads the opposition Chadema party, appeared before the High Court in Dar es Salaam on Friday and began his defence after the court ruled that he had a case to answer.

He has been in detention since April 2025 after being charged with treason over allegations that he incited the public to boycott Tanzania’s October 2025 elections. The offence carries a possible death sentence.

Lissu is representing himself in the trial and has listed several senior government officials as defence witnesses, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whom he asked the court to summon.

He also told the judges that he had been unable to meet his lawyers and witnesses in prison and asked the court to address the issue.

During Friday’s proceedings, Lissu became the first defence witness and said his prosecution was linked to his long-standing campaign for democratic reforms and the rule of law.

Before last year’s election, Chadema organised the “No Reforms, No Elections” campaign, calling for changes to the electoral system before the vote.

The trial comes amid continued scrutiny of Tanzania following deadly post-election protests. The government says more than 500 people were killed during the unrest and has launched a new investigation into those responsible.

Lissu survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and has faced multiple arrests over the years.

SOURCE: AFP