Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu presented in court to face treason charges
Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu presented in court to face treason charges
Tanzania’s opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, was on Monday presented before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court to face charges of treason and publishing false information.
This comes after the Chadema leader refused to participate in two online hearings.
He arrived at the court premises in a white Land Cruiser belonging to the Tanzania Prisons Service.
He remained inside the vehicle for approximately three minutes before being escorted inside.
A large number of security personnel, some wearing face-obscuring balaclavas, surrounded the vehicle and led him through a rear entrance to prevent him from being seen by members of the public or the media.
One of Mr Lissu’s hands was briefly visible from inside the vehicle as he raised two fingers—a gesture associated with his party, Chadema.
He was then taken into the courtroom under heavy escort by prison officers who made concerted efforts to block any attempt by journalists to catch a glimpse of the opposition leader.
Mr Lissu appeared in court in connection with two cases: one concerning the alleged publication of false information online and another related to treason, which has a possible death sentence in Tanzania.
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In the cybercrime case, the court session was convened for the prosecution to present its preliminary hearing submissions before proceeding to witness testimonies. The charges relate to content allegedly published on YouTube.
Several citizens were present at the court to follow proceedings, while both uniformed and plain-clothed officers maintained a significant security presence in and around the premises.
Unlike previous court appearances where patrols were primarily outside, this time security forces were stationed strategically within the court compound.
The party supporters, party members and members of the public turned up following an earlier directive by the court on April 28, 2025, that ordered Mr Lissu to appear before the court as defence lawyers demanded.
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