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Tanzanian opposition figure and CHADEMA national chairman, Tundu Lissu, has refused to participate in a scheduled virtual court hearing, insisting that his physical presence in court is a constitutional right and legally necessary.
The sedition case against him—registered under case number 202504102000008606—was expected to proceed with a preliminary hearing at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam on the morning of April 23. The session, presided over by Senior Resident Magistrate Geofrey Mhini, was arranged to take place via video link. A separate treason case, listed as 202504102000008607, was also scheduled later that morning, again to be conducted virtually before Magistrate Franco Kiswaga.
However, according to CHADEMA officials and Lissu’s legal team, the opposition leader firmly objected to the proceedings being held online, arguing that he had not been officially presented in court as the law demands. For Lissu, this was more than a technicality—it was a fundamental breach of due process.
“We cannot accept a situation where someone is tried virtually without first being brought before the court as required,” said a party spokesperson. “Lissu’s presence in court is not optional—it’s his right.”
Lissu’s legal troubles began earlier this month after his arrest on April 9 in Mbinga, in the southern Ruvuma Region, shortly after addressing a political gathering. He was subsequently transferred to Dar es Salaam and charged with treason on April 10. Prosecutors allege that in a speech delivered days prior, Lissu called on Tanzanians to rise up and block the upcoming general elections, a statement they claim amounts to inciting rebellion.
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In addition to the treason charge, Lissu faces accusations of spreading false information. He has denied all charges, arguing that his words were taken out of context and that he was speaking as a political leader mobilizing his base.
The opposition leader’s legal team has accused the government of using the courts to silence dissent. They argue that the charges are politically motivated, timed to stifle the opposition ahead of the national elections.
The refusal to proceed with the virtual hearing has caused the court to adjourn the cases. Future proceedings will likely address not just the charges themselves, but also the legality of how the case is being managed.
As the legal standoff continues, Lissu’s supporters and observers across the country—and beyond—are closely watching, interpreting the case as a test of Tanzania’s commitment to due process and political freedom.
