Joseph Isangura
The high-profile treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu opened at the High Court of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, drawing widespread public attention and sparking renewed debate over the state of democracy in the country.
The case was brought before a panel of three judges, led by Justice Dunstan Ndunguru. Lissu, a lawyer by profession and chairman of the main opposition party, chose to represent himself in court. From the very start, he raised strong objections, questioning the legality of the process that began with his arrest in Mbinga, Ruvuma region, and the subsequent handling of the matter at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam.
Lissu argued that his arrest and detention violated constitutional guarantees and due process. He also told the court that key documents provided by prosecutors conflicted with records stored in the court’s electronic system, a discrepancy he described as a threat to fairness and the rule of law. His remarks quickly underscored the politically charged nature of the case, which involves accusations that carry some of the harshest penalties under treason law.
The atmosphere inside and outside the courtroom was tense but orderly. Senior members of Lissu’s party, including John Heche and John Mnyika, joined hundreds of supporters who gathered at the court premises, a visible show of solidarity for their embattled leader. Many described the case as a defining moment for Tanzania’s justice system and its ability to withstand political pressures.
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Adding to the controversy, the judges ordered a ban on live media coverage of the proceedings, citing the need to protect witnesses. While the decision was framed as a safeguard, rights advocates warned that the restriction could undermine public confidence in the trial and limit freedom of the press at a time when openness is most needed.
The court adjourned the case to Tuesday, September 9, when it will continue to hear preliminary objections before moving to the substantive charges. For now, the proceedings remain focused on questions of procedure rather than evidence, but the stakes are unmistakably high.
The timing of the trial has raised further concern, coming just as the country prepares for a critical election season. Observers say the outcome will not only determine the political fate of Lissu but will also serve as a test of Tanzania’s democratic institutions and judicial independence.
