Tundu Lissu to remain in custody as Kisutu court postpones hearing

Lissu, the outspoken leader of the opposition party CHADEMA, is facing treason charges, alongside accusations of economic sabotage and incitement. Lissu, who has been in police custody since April 9, appeared in court on Monday morning, greeted by a large contingent of supporters who chanted slogans demanding electoral reforms. The courtroom atmosphere was charged with emotion, as chants of "No reforms, no elections!" echoed through the courthouse. Security was visibly increased throughout Dar es Salaam, particularly around the Kisutu court complex. 

Heavily armed officers were deployed in anticipation of protests, underscoring the high political stakes of the ongoing case. The court had earlier proposed to proceed with virtual hearings, but Lissu's legal team rejected the move, citing the importance of transparency and adherence to due process.

His lawyers insist the charges are politically motivated and aim to silence dissent ahead of the general elections scheduled for October. Lissu was arrested shortly after calling for a nationwide boycott of the elections until comprehensive electoral reforms were implemented. His rallying cry — "No reforms, no elections" — has become a unifying slogan for opposition supporters. The government has since banned CHADEMA from participating in the October polls, citing the party's refusal to sign the legally mandated election code of conduct. Among the charges, Lissu is accused of publishing false information online that allegedly incited public rebellion and accused police forces of misconduct during electoral processes. He has vehemently denied all charges. This is not Lissu’s first brush with danger. In 2017, he survived a near-fatal gun attack near his home in Dodoma, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds in an incident widely believed to have been politically motivated.

A respected lawyer, Lissu also previously served as the President of the Tanganyika Law Society. If convicted of treason, Tundu Lissu could face the death penalty under Tanzanian law — a prospect that has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights groups and regional observers. The next court appearance is scheduled for June 2, as the political tension in Tanzania continues to rise ahead of a contentious election season.