The treason case against Tanzanian opposition leader and CHADEMA chairperson Tundu Lissu took another turn on Tuesday September 16th after the High Court in Dar es Salaam adjourned proceedings to September 18th, when state prosecutors are expected to file their response.

Lissu, who has spent more than 160 days in detention, concluded his submissions challenging the validity of the charge sheet, arguing that the documents “do not disclose any criminal offence” and therefore cannot form the basis of a treason case. He maintained that amendments to the charge sheet were made unlawfully and that witness statements submitted by police officers were irregular.

During the hearings, tensions ran high as supporters of the opposition party CHADEMA briefly boycotted proceedings, alleging harassment and restricted access to the courtroom. Lissu criticized what he called “police interference in open court,” urging the judges to ensure public trials remain transparent.

State attorney Nassoro Katuga, leading the government’s legal team, requested more time to prepare a detailed reply to the objections. Presiding Judge Dastan Nduguru, sitting with two other judges, granted the request and adjourned the case until September 18th.

The court is also expected to rule separately on Lissu’s renewed request that the trial be broadcast live, a demand he says is necessary due to the national and international importance of the proceedings.