Tanzania’s prominent opposition figure, Tundu Lissu, made his first court appearance since his arrest last month on treason charges, defiantly telling supporters not to be afraid.
Mr. Lissu, leader of the Chadema party, raised a fist in solidarity with his supporters outside the Dar es Salaam trial magistrate’s court, saying, “You will be fine. You should not fear.”
The court appearance took place amidst heightened security, with a heavy police presence deployed in the city. Hundreds of Mr. Lissu’s supporters gathered outside the court despite the security measures.
The court had previously attempted to conduct hearings virtually, a move opposed by Mr. Lissu and his legal team who cited the need for transparency and due process.
Mr. Lissu was arrested on 9 April after calling for “no reforms, no election,” demanding that the October general election be postponed unless electoral reforms were implemented. He has been charged with treason and publishing false information online, allegedly inciting rebellion and accusing police of electoral misconduct. He denies all charges.
Conviction on treason charges could carry the death penalty in Tanzania.
During Monday’s hearing, the prosecution stated that investigations into the treason charges were ongoing, prompting Mr. Lissu’s lawyers to question the delay. The court has urged the prosecution to expedite the process, with the next hearing scheduled for 2 June.
Mr. Lissu’s legal team also raised concerns about the heavy police presence around the court, which the judges acknowledged and said they would consult on its justification.
Mr. Lissu maintains that the charges against him are politically motivated, a stance that has heightened concerns about the state of democracy in Tanzania.
The case has drawn international attention, particularly following the deportation of Kenyan figures who travelled to Tanzania in support of Mr. Lissu. Former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua reported being deported along with colleagues, preventing them from attending the trial.
The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition expressed shock at the “arbitrary arrests.”
Former Kenyan Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and other rights activists also reported being detained at the airport.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has defended the actions of security agencies, stating, “We’ve started seeing a trend where some activists from our neighbouring countries are trying to interfere with our internal affairs.” She urged security agencies to prevent “indisciplined people” from creating chaos in Tanzania.
Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga, who was present in court, expressed hope for a “fair, just, and expeditious” legal process.
The case comes amid rising concerns about political repression in Tanzania, including the arrest of other opposition figures and reports of abductions and killings targeting government critics. The Chadema party has been disqualified from the October general elections after demanding electoral reforms and refusing to sign an electoral commission code of conduct.
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