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Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu opened his defence in his high-stakes treason trial on Friday, explicitly labelling the prosecution a “political case.”
Authorities detained the 58-year-old Chadema party leader in April 2025 and charged him with treason—a crime carrying a potential death penalty—after he allegedly incited the public to boycott elections.
Addressing a packed courtroom that included foreign diplomats, Lissu argued that his ongoing struggle for constitutional and electoral reforms directly provoked conflict with ruling authorities.
Lissu, who represents himself, requested that the court summon several top government officials as defence witnesses, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He also urged the judges to resolve visitation restrictions at the prison, noting that authorities currently prevent him from meeting with his legal team and potential witnesses.
Before the November elections, Lissu spearheaded a “No Reforms, No Elections” campaign, which ultimately triggered his arrest amid wider government crackdowns that left hundreds dead.
Chadema leaders accuse President Hassan of reviving the authoritarian tactics of her predecessor, John Magufuli, following an election victory where official results awarded her 98 per cent of the vote.
Despite facing frequent arrests and surviving a 2017 assassination attempt, Lissu reasserted his commitment to fighting for democracy and the rule of law as he continued his defence.
