The case against Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu continues today, 9th Sep 2025, at the High Court in Dar es Salaam. Lissu was charged with treason and dissemination of false information.
However, Lissu’s case today has taken a new twist. According to Chadema vice chairperson, John Heche, the state has turned the courtroom into a police state. He says that plain-clothed officers have taken over the courtroom by filling the court premises to deny Tundu Lissu’s supporters space.
‘’Police are crowding the courtroom, denying us the opportunity to sit. We want to address the public so they know what is going on here’’, Said Heche while insisting they will not relent until they get justice for their leader, Tundu Lissu.
Heche condemned the police actions and called on the court to ensure they exercise impartiality while discharging their duty and caution the judiciary from being controlled by one arm of the government.
‘’We cannot allow the Police to control the Court, this should be an independent institution, but here it seems like we are in a Police Station,” Said Heche
Heche has also revealed that their supporters are facing a hostile reception at the court, as some are being turned away while others are beaten and arrested.
Lissu was arrested on 9th April 2025 and has been in jail since then. His Chadema party has also been blocked from participating in the forthcoming general election.
