Prosecution, Tundu Lissu Clash Over Treason Charge Sheet as Judges Adjourn to Sept 22
Presiding Judge Dastan Nduguru adjourned the matter to Monday September 22nd, when the bench is expected to rule on Lissu’s objections
Presiding Judge Dastan Nduguru adjourned the matter to Monday September 22nd, when the bench is expected to rule on Lissu’s objections
During the hearings, tensions ran high as supporters of the opposition party CHADEMA briefly boycotted proceedings, alleging harassment and restricted access to the courtroom.
He reminded the court that this is only the third treason case in Tanzania’s history, citing the 1971 trial linked to Bibi Titi Mohamed and the 1983 Khatibu Ghandi case, where judges stressed that treason requires concrete actions, not words.
The High Court panel announced that a ruling on Lissu’s objection will be delivered on Monday, September 15th, at 9 a.m.
Ambassador Abdallah S. Possi, dismissed the claims as “erroneous, misleading, and misconstrued. He also said that Tanzania remains fully committed to its constitutional and international obligations on human rights.
Lissu also raised concerns about repeated adjournments in the lower court, saying the case was postponed 13 times without proper reasons, leaving him in custody for months under harsh conditions
The judges are expected to deliver their ruling on Thursday, September 11th. That decision will determine whether Mpina can return to the ballot as ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential candidate, or if the party will head into the polls without a flag bearer.
“In a case of this nature, with a death penalty, I will defend myself,” he told the judges.
With CHADEMA out and ACT’s candidacy in dispute, CCM heads into the October 29th polls with limited opposition
Nchimbi is a seasoned politician with a long career in both government and diplomacy.