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The opposition leader in Tanzania, Tundu Lissu, claimed in court on Monday that he had been stripped of his fundamental legal rights and would mount his defence against a treason charge that could result in the death penalty.
The outspoken politician was arrested in April, a development criticised by global human rights organisations and observers who have demanded his release.
This situation arises as the authorities in the East African nation intensify their suppression of Lissu’s opposition party, Chadema, in the lead-up to the October presidential and parliamentary elections.
Lissu addressed a crowded courtroom, stating that he had not been granted private access to his legal representatives since his arrest.
“All the 68 days they have not been allowed to see me or speak to me,” he said.
“It is time to step aside and let me do what I must do. From now on I will be my own lawyer,” he said.
Chadema was barred from the forthcoming elections after it declined to endorse an electoral code of conduct. Lissu has vocally opposed the government, declaring that his party will not participate in the polls without substantial electoral reforms.
Although he has been arrested multiple times, this is the first time he has been confronted with such a severe accusation.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have urged his immediate and unconditional release.
Lissu’s party has accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan of reverting to the repressive measures employed by her predecessor, John Magufuli.
