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Tanzanian court clears opposition leader Lissu of treason
The judges said prosecutors failed to prove treason intent but found that his election remarks met the legal test for incitement.
- On Friday, November 6, 2026, the High Court of Tanzania's Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry acquitted Chadema national chairman Tundu Lissu of treason but convicted him of the lesser offense of incitement.
- Prosecutors charged Lissu in April 2025 following a speech urging supporters to "block the election" and "mobilise rebellion," though he maintained his remarks were a legitimate political campaign for electoral reform.
- Rights group Amnesty International accused the government last week of "weaponising counterterrorism laws to silence critics and instil fear." The arrest occurred amid a crackdown following the 2025 General Election that left at least 500 people dead.
- Presiding Justice Dunstan Ndunguru ruled that while prosecutors failed to prove treason, the court found the accused committed the "lesser offence of incitement" under Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
- Lissu's conviction highlights the shrinking space for political dissent in Tanzania, though the Chadema leader, who survived a 2017 assassination attempt, remains a central figure in the struggle for constitutional reform.
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Lissu acquitted of treason but convicted of incitement
The High Court of Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry has acquitted Chadema national chairman Tundu Lissu of treason, but convicted him of the lesser offence of incitement. The decision was...
·Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the United Republic of
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Tanzania's main opponent, Tundu Lissu, was acquitted of the charge of treason, but was convicted of incitement, according to his party, Chadema.
·Portugal
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 17%
C 67%
R 16%
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