Emotions ran high in a Dar es Salaam courtroom on Monday as supporters of opposition leader Tundu Lissu flooded the gallery, chanting “Rais, Rais” during his appearance on treason charges.
Lissu, standing in the dock, waved his hands as supporters in the gallery cheered and chanted his name.
The case, registered as Criminal Session Case No. 19605/2025, is set to run from February 9 to March 6, 2026, before a three-judge bench led by D. Ndunguru, J. Karayemaha and Kiwonde.
The hearing, now at the prosecution stage, saw state witnesses provide testimony detailing the basis of the charges. The proceedings are currently at the prosecution stage, with state witnesses taking the stand and giving evidence in line with court procedure.
Speaking in court, Lissu raised grievances against officers at Ukonga Prison, claiming his fundamental rights had been violated since his November 12, 2025, hearing.
“For 88 days, I could not speak freely with my lawyers because prison officers were listening to our conversations,” he said.
He further stated that he had been prevented from receiving visits from relatives, party leaders and members since the case was adjourned.
Lissu also voiced concern over the prolonged delays in his treason trial, noting that he had been detained for 307 days while the case had only been heard on 15 days.
He said, “A delayed right is a denied right,” calling for reforms to the session hearing system, which he claimed contributes to delays in the resolution of serious cases.
Gaston Garubindi, director of legal affairs for CHADEMA, confirmed that Lissu received official notification from the Deputy Registrar of the High Court on January 14, 2026.
“He was arrested on April 9, 2025, in Mbinga, Ruvuma region, and had been detained for 282 days as of January 15, 2026,” Garubindi said.
Lissu, defending himself in the case, submitted several objections in court, which the prosecution is expected to respond to. Prosecutors allege that his statements incited public unrest and called for the disruption of the elections.
He also criticised the ongoing restriction barring CHADEMA leaders and members from visiting him in prison.
“This is a multi-party country, CHADEMA, which I chair, is a legally registered party. It is not a crime for my members and leaders to visit me in prison. Prison officers are public servants and have no authority to discriminate against who is allowed to visit a detainee,” he said.
CHADEMA has urged its members and the public to closely follow the proceedings, describing the trial as a crucial test of democracy and justice in Tanzania.
Amnesty International has called on Tanzanian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release him, arguing that he was arbitrarily arrested and detained for exercising his right to freedom of expression and association.
The organisation also urged that, pending his release, Lissu be granted regular access to his family, legal team, and healthcare professionals of his choice.
Lissu was arrested on April 9, 2025, and on April 10, 2025, he was charged with the non-bailable offence of treason. The charges relate to social media posts he made on April 3, 2025, calling on Tanzanians to boycott the October 2025 elections, citing potential electoral rigging.
The case has been postponed to Wednesday, 11th 2026, where the court will rule on whether Lissu’s objection to new evidence will be allowed.
His last court appearance was on November 12, 2025.
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