Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu granted right to represent himself in court
Reports indicate that Lissu cited a lack of privacy and concerns over surveillance during consultations with his legal team as the reason for his request.
A Tanzanian court has allowed opposition leader and Chadema party chair Tundu Lissu to act as his own counsel in the ongoing treason case against him.
The development came after Lissu, who was presented before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court on Monday, June 16, requested to personally handle his defence.
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Reports indicate that Lissu cited a lack of privacy and concerns over surveillance during consultations with his legal team as the reason for his request.
He 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.
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.
Further, Magistrate Kiswaga ordered authorities to ensure Lissu is granted unimpeded access to documents from his legal team during court proceedings. He also instructed court security not to interfere with the exchange of legal materials.
Representing the prosecution, State Attorney Nassoro Katuga said the State did not oppose Lissu's decision to act as his own lawyer. He added, however, that issues related to accessing documents while in remand fall under the responsibility of prison officials.
The magistrate also urged the prosecution to schedule a hearing date for July 1.
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.
His arrest has reignited tensions around political freedoms and state repression ahead of Tanzania's general elections later this year.
Human rights groups have criticised President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration for allegedly cracking down on the opposition, accusations the government has firmly denied.
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