Court Restricts Live Coverage in Lissu Treason Trial

The treason case against opposition leader Tundu Lissu took another turn today after the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court barred the live broadcast and online publication of witness statements and evidentiary materials.

Presiding magistrate Franco Kiswaga issued the order while delivering directives during the ongoing committal proceedings. The decision follows an earlier ruling by High Court Judge Hussein Matembwa on August 4, which emphasised the need to protect the identities of civilian witnesses. According to the court, allowing live coverage or sharing unedited content on social media could expose those witnesses to potential risks.

The order means that any details regarding witness testimonies or documents to be tendered in the trial will remain under court control and may only be disclosed with judicial approval. Magistrate Kiswaga stressed that the same materials will be formally presented once the case is moved to the High Court.

The case has drawn national and international attention, not only because of its political weight but also due to the rare allowance of courtroom livestreaming in Tanzania, which had been viewed as a step towards greater transparency in the justice system. Critics, however, argue that the decision to roll back that openness raises questions about the balance between public accountability and security.

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Lissu, who is facing a charge of treason, is accused of actions allegedly committed in Dar es Salaam on April 3, 2025. His supporters maintain that the trial is politically motivated and see the restrictions as part of a broader struggle over democracy in Tanzania.

Legal analysts say the ruling underscores the difficult task of safeguarding witnesses in cases involving sensitive national security matters while also addressing public demands for transparency. For many observers, the court’s decision reflects a growing tension between protecting individual safety and maintaining open access to high-profile political trials.