EU Parliament demands release of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu
The EU Parliament similarly asked member states to engage Tanzanian officials and keep an eye on Lissu's trial.
The European (EU) Parliament has demanded the immediate release of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who was charged with treason, an offence that carries a potential death penalty.
Lissu, the leader of Tanzania's main opposition party Chadema, was arrested at a political rally on April 9 before being charged in court a day later. He was not allowed to take plea.
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During a meeting on Wednesday, the legislative body condemned Lissu's arrest as being politically motivated, further warning that the Chadema frontman may be handed the death penalty if found guilty.
"We express our concern over the arrest of Lissu and the charges against him, which carry severe legal consequences. We believe these charges may be politically driven," said the EU Parliament.
The EU Parliament similarly asked member states to engage Tanzanian officials and keep an eye on Lissu's trial. They also warned that they might take action if things get worse.
The body also reiterated calls for changes to Tanzania's cybercrime and media laws while denouncing the death penalty, calling for its abolition and for current death sentences to be changed.
Further, the body raised concerns about cases of continued human rights violations in Tanzania, including unwarranted arrests of members of the opposition and media oppression and intimidation.
"Fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, media, association, and protection from discrimination, must be upheld," the EU resolution stated.
Additionally, the EU Parliament voiced concerns about Chadema's disqualification from Tanzania's general elections slated for October 2025. Chadema's participation was nullified after refusing to sign an election code of conduct in April, in line with its push for new reforms in the country.
"Any party that did not sign the code of conduct will not participate in the general election. The ban will also cover all by-elections until 2030," said Ramadhani Kailima, director of elections at Tanzania's Independent National Elections Commission, in April.
The EU Parliament subsequently called on Tanzania's government to guarantee Chadema's full involvement in the polls.
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