Tanzania opposition leader Tundu Lissu faces full treason trial after court dismisses objections
Last week, Lissu sought to have the charge dismissed, arguing that the charge sheet was flawed because it neither clearly specified the particulars of the offence nor proved his intent to commit treason.
The Tanzanian High Court has dismissed objections raised by opposition leader Tundu Lissu in his treason case, allowing the trial to proceed.
The decision comes after Lissu last week sought to have the charge dismissed, arguing that the charge sheet was flawed. He claimed it did not clearly specify the particulars of the offence or prove that he intended to commit treason.
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He also contended that witness statements were invalid because they ignored an earlier order to protect civilians and that police testimony had been collected improperly.
The CHADEMA leader faces treason charges over remarks he made on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, urging Tanzanians to boycott the upcoming general elections on October 29. He argued that the electoral process favours President Samia Suluhu's government.
The prosecution has consistently maintained that Lissu’s remarks constituted an incitement against the country’s constitutional order.
Met all legal requirements
On Monday, The Citizen reports, Judge Dunstan Ndunguru, speaking for a panel of judges, said the court had reviewed the charge sheet and found it met all legal requirements.
Ndunguru added that questions about Lissu’s intent would be addressed during the trial once evidence is presented.
Following the ruling, the treason charge was formally read to Lissu. He reportedly admitted making the remarks mentioned in the charge sheet but denied committing treason, insisting that “his words were political.”
The court then provided him with a summary of the case and ordered him to indicate which facts he accepts and which he contests as the trial progresses.
Lissu was arrested at a public rally on April 9 and charged the following day without entering a plea. He has remained in custody since, with the trial extending over several months amid repeated but denied requests for bail.
His prolonged detention has become a major test of political freedoms under President Samia, raising questions about her pledges of reform and concerns over how her government handles dissent.
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