Tanzanian opposition leader to represent himself in treason trial
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Tundu Lissu, vice-chair of Tanzania’s Chadema party, appears in court as he announces plans to represent himself in his treason trial.
Tanzanian Opposition Leader to Represent Himself in Treason Trial
Tundu Lissu cites denial of private access to legal counsel and basic rights during detention.
Prominent Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has told a court in Dar es Salaam that he will represent himself in his ongoing treason trial, citing repeated denial of access to private legal counsel.
Lissu, the vice-chairman of the Chadema party, made the declaration at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday, as frustrations mount over what he described as violations of his fundamental rights in detention.
“I have more than 30 lawyers whom I trust very much. Today is the 68th day since I was arraigned and charged with treason, but my lawyers have been repeatedly denied the right to see me in private,” he told the court.
Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017 after being shot 16 times, is a vocal critic of Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has held power since independence in 1961.
Concerns Over Rights Violations
Lissu said that all communication with his lawyers had been forced through a telephone in a small room, raising fears of surveillance or recordings by authorities. He also claimed that he has been denied access to worship and is being held in a section of the prison reserved for death row inmates, despite not being convicted.
Court Allows Self-Representation
Chief Magistrate Franco Kiswaga acknowledged Lissu’s decision and granted him the right to directly engage with the prosecution, unless he chooses to reverse the decision. He also urged prosecutors to expedite investigations and scheduled the next hearing for July 1.
Crackdown on Opposition?
Chadema has consistently criticized Tanzania’s political landscape, particularly the lack of an independent electoral commission and laws that favor CCM. Human rights groups have accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government of continuing authoritarian practices and stifling dissent — allegations the government firmly denies.
Lissu’s case is now at the center of growing concerns about judicial independence and the space for political opposition in Tanzania.
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