The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) has strongly condemned the attack and arrest of BAVICHA leader and one of Lissu’s Lawyer Mr Deogratius Mahinyila by the Police today at the High Court grounds, in Dar es Salaam, while discharging his advocatory duties in court.
The TLS Executive Council in a crisis meeting on Monday September 15, 2025, said brutaling of Lissu’s supporters violates the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens in the country.
The council also noted the the barbaric manner in which Advocate Mahinyila was brutally beaten by police officers is contrary to section 4(d) of the TLS Act CAP 307 which gives the association the responsibility to protect its members.
The association has called on the Police to immediately and unconditionally release Advocate Mahinyila and and any other person who was arrested while attending Lissu’s Trial.
In addition, the TLS President, Mwabukusi Boniface, said the association will initiate legal and institutional measures to protect the dignity of lawyers and ensure that their duties are carried out without intimidation.
The sentiments were echoed strongly by the Legal and Human Right Centre (LHRC) who said the excessive force used by police to scare away Chadema supporters were utterly uncouth.
‘’LHRC condems in the strongest terms possible the act any act that is against the laws of the land and which violates the fundamental rights of human being’’ said LHRC in a statement.
During the scuffle, several people were seriously injured while others were arrested and taken to various police stations.
Tundu Lissu’s trial case will continue on Tuesday 16th September 2025.
