Tanzania opposition leader says treason trial is 'political' as defence starts

Lissu, head of the opposition Chadema party, was detained in April 2025 and charged with treason, which carries a potential death penalty, for allegedly inciting the public to boycott last year's elections.

The long-time activist has faced multiple arrests over the years and survived an assassination attempt in 2017.

Tanzania has faced international criticism after the deadly repression of protests around elections in November, with the opposition and rights groups saying thousands were killed by security forces.

Security was heightened at the high court on Friday as Lissu's supporters packed the courtroom for the ruling, with foreign diplomats also in attendance.

The court earlier ruled that Lissu had a case to answer after hearing from 17 prosecution witnesses earlier this week.

Lissu, who is representing himself, listed several high-ranking government officials that he will call as defence witnesses, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and asked the court to "summon them".

"I need to meet my lawyers and witnesses but they are not allowed to visit me in the prison," Lissu said, asking the judges to address the problems.

During the afternoon session, Lissu opened his defence as the first witness in his treason trial, arguing it was a "political case."

"I believe the fight for constitutional and electoral reforms has created conflict with those in power," the 58-year-old said.

- Justice -

Last year, before the bloody November polls, Lissu's party organised a campaign dubbed "No Reforms, No Elections", which led to his arrest.

"I have a reputation locally and internationally (which) comes from my stance on the fight for democracy and rule of law," Lissu said.

Chadema supporters in court broke into chants of "New Constitution, Free Lissu" after the case was postponed to August 24, when he will continue his defence.

"I hope one day justice will be found," Mariam John, 65, who was wearing Chadema-branded clothing, told AFP.

Lissu's party accuses Hassan, who won the last election with 98 percent, of a return to the repressive tactics of her predecessor, John Magufuli.

The government says more than 500 people were killed during the election unrest, without saying who was responsible.