US EditionTanzanian opposition leader to represent himself in treason trial
- On June 16, 2025, Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu appeared at Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court in Dar es Salaam facing treason and false information charges.
- Since April, Lissu has been held in custody without private access to his lawyers, coinciding with Chadema's exclusion from the April elections after the party declined to endorse the electoral code of conduct.
- Court proceedings featured heavy police security, water cannon trucks near the courthouse, and Lissu declaring he will defend himself and protesting denial of basic legal rights and freedom to worship.
- Lissu said, "From now on I will be my own lawyer" and that his lawyers had not seen him for 68 days, while his international lawyer lodged a UN complaint calling his detention arbitrary.
- The case highlights increased government crackdowns on Chadema and suggests ongoing tensions ahead of the October presidential and parliamentary polls in Tanzania.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Tanzania's Opposition Leader Stands Solo in Treason Trial Amidst Controversy
Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been granted permission to represent himself in his treason trial. Lissu, who has faced legal and physical threats, criticizes the ruling party's dominance and inadequate electoral reforms. Concerns over unfair trial conditions and human rights violations against the opposition persist.
Tanzanian Opposition Leader to Represent Himself in Court Over Treason Charges
Tanzania's opposition leader Tundu Lissu told a court on Monday that he had been denied his basic legal rights and that he would defend himself against a treason charge that carries the death penalty.
Tanzanian opposition leader to represent himself in court over treason charges
Tanzania's opposition leader Tundu Lissu told a court on Monday that he had been denied his basic legal rights and that he would defend himself against a treason charge that carries the death penalty.
Associated Press News
Tanzanian opposition leader to represent himself in treason trial
The main opposition leader in Tanzania has been granted permission to represent himself in his treason trial after being denied the right to meet his lawyers in private.
Tanzania: Detained Opposition Leader To Represent Himself In Court
By Enyichukwu Enemanna A magistrate court in Dar es Salaam on Monday ruled that Tanzania’s main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, who has been in detention since April, can represent himself in his treason trial after prison officials denied him access to his lawyers in private. Lissu, leader of the CHADEMA party, was arrested on April 9 and charged with treason after a rally in which he addressed his supporters, calling for reforms in the elector…
Tanzanian opposition leader self-represents in court
Tanzania’s main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, was granted permission on Monday to represent himself in his treason trial following denials by prison authorities to allow private meetings with his lawyers. Lissu, arrested April 9 and charged with treason after advocating electoral reforms, stated he was forced to speak to counsel via phone in a monitored room. He expressed deep trust in his 30-plus lawyers, but noted 68 days without private con…
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