Tundu Lissu treason case returns to court as DPP faces decision deadline
The case, filed by the Tanzanian government, has been adjourned twice, with the DPP yet to announce whether the government will pursue the levelled charges.
Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu's high-profile treason case returns to the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, as the country's Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) faces mounting pressure to either move forward with the case or drop it altogether.
The case, filed by the Tanzanian government, has been adjourned twice, with the DPP yet to announce whether the government will pursue the levelled charges.
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During the last hearing on July 1, Lissu, who represented himself in court, dismissed the treason charges as politically driven and unsupported by credible evidence.
He was allowed to defend himself in the case after filing a petition on June 16 at the same court, seeking to personally handle his defence.
Lissu cited a lack of privacy and concerns over surveillance during consultations with his legal team as the reason for his request.
On July 1, Lissu argued that investigators had only referred to an alleged plan found on the internet but had yet to present any concrete proof.
Tundu Lissu, representing himself in court, has asked the court to dismiss his treason case and acquit him, urging it to deliver justice. He argued that the DPP's lawyers are constitutionally obligated to prevent abuse of court processes, and called on the court to uphold that… pic.twitter.com/3Si4gdkYt2
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) July 15, 2025
He also pointed out that, despite 83 days of court proceedings, the prosecution had failed to submit any evidence to back the serious accusations.
Subsequently, he urged the court to compel the state to either present its evidence or issue a formal notice to discontinue the proceedings.
The court later agreed to a two-week adjournment to allow the DPP time to make a final decision.
At today's hearing, the court is expected to determine whether the DPP will proceed with prosecuting Lissu or terminate the case.
Lissu, leader of Tanzania's main opposition party Chadema, was arrested on April 9 during a political rally and formally charged in court the following day.
He was initially denied the opportunity to enter a plea and was later charged with treason.
Lissu has remained in custody since then, raising concerns about due process and the use of the justice system to stifle political dissent in Tanzania.
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