Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu on Monday told the High Court that he will defend himself in the treason case he is facing, rejecting a lawyer appointed by the court to represent him.

Lissu, who also chairs the opposition party CHADEMA, appeared before three judges led by Justice Dunstan Ndunguru. He said the charges are too serious to leave in the hands of another lawyer. “In a case of this nature, with a death penalty, I will defend myself,” he told the judges.

The state said it respected his choice, noting that the law allows an accused person to either be represented by a lawyer or to represent themselves but prosecutors opposed his request to have his research team officially included in the court’s record, saying they could only assist him outside court.

During today’s session, Lissu raised two main objections. First, he questioned the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that since he was arrested in Mbinga, Ruvuma, the case should have been filed there. Second, he pointed out that the documents he was given in prison show different dates from those in the official court record. He said this difference suggests there may have been irregularities in how the case was processed. The judges ordered that he be given complete case records to review. The hearing was later adjourned to Tuesday September 9th, to allow him more time.

Lissu’s case has drawn widespread attention, with CHADEMA leaders, diplomats and supporters attending the court session. Outside the court, CHADEMA deputy chair John Heche said the party would not accept what he called “manufactured charges.” He also amplified Lissu’s concern over the mismatched documents.

This trial is one of only a few treason cases in Tanzania’s history and it comes at a politically tense moment ahead of the October 2025 elections.

The hearing continues tomorrow.