Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu leads own defense in treason trial, slams case as baseless

Tanzania's opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, strongly criticised the treason case against him when he acted as his counsel on Tuesday, calling the charges politically driven and lacking any credible evidence.

Speaking in court, Lissu described the case as unprecedented, noting that it marks the first time in the country's history that a single individual has been accused of treason based on online allegations.

According to Lissu, investigators claim they found a supposed plan online, but no tangible proof has been submitted. He also argued that despite 83 days of case proceedings, the prosecution has failed to present any evidence to support the serious charge.

"It is the first time in Tanzania's history that a treason case targets just one person after detectives claimed they saw a plan online. However, after 83 days, no evidence has been presented in court," he said.

Lissu was allowed to defend himself in the case last month after filing a petition on Monday, June 16, at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate, seeking to personally handle his defence.

He cited a lack of privacy and concerns over surveillance during consultations with his legal team as the reason for his request.

Lissu also informed the court that he had to communicate with his lawyers via phone from a confined room, expressing concern that their discussions might be monitored or secretly recorded.

"I have more than 30 lawyers whom I trust very much. Today is the 68th day since I was arraigned and charged with treason, but my lawyers have been repeatedly denied the right to see me in private," said Lissu then.

Senior Resident Magistrate Franko Kiswaga subsequently approved Lissu's request.

"From this point forward, the prosecution will address its responses directly to the accused. The court has granted his request to self-represent, unless and until he decides to change that position," said Magistrate Kiswaga.

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 before later being charged with treason.

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