A Tanzanian court ruled on Monday that opposition leader Tundu Lissu, chairman of the Chadema party, can represent himself in his ongoing treason trial after he raised concerns about restricted access to his legal team. Appearing before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court, Lissu argued that his lawyers had been repeatedly denied private meetings with him since his arrest 68 days ago. He expressed fears that prison authorities could be monitoring his communications.
“I have more than 30 lawyers whom I trust very much, but they have not been allowed to see me in private,” Lissu told the court. “Discussions over the phone from a confined room risk being recorded.”
Senior Resident Magistrate Franko Kiswaga granted Lissu’s request, stating: “The prosecution will now address its responses directly to the accused. He may represent himself unless he chooses to retain counsel later.”
Magistrate Kiswaga also directed authorities to ensure Lissu receives legal materials from his lawyers without interference during proceedings. However, State Attorney Nassoro Katuga clarified that access to documents while in remand remains under prison officials’ jurisdiction.
The court set the next hearing for July 1, allowing Lissu time to prepare his defense.
Background: Arrest and Political Tensions
Lissu, a prominent critic of Tanzania’s government, was arrested on April 9 at a political rally and charged with treason the following day. His detention has drawn condemnation from human rights groups, who accuse President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration of suppressing dissent ahead of general elections later this year.
This is not Lissu’s first legal battle. The outspoken politician survived an assassination attempt in 2017, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, before returning from exile in 2023.
While rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have criticized Tanzania’s shrinking democratic space, the government denies targeting opposition figures. Officials maintain that Lissu’s case is purely judicial, not political.
Regional and International Reactions
The case has heightened concerns about Tanzania’s commitment to rule of law. Western diplomats and African civil society groups have called for transparent proceedings, urging authorities to uphold fair trial standards.
As Lissu prepares to defend himself, the trial is expected to test Tanzania’s judicial independence—and could become a flashpoint in the country’s already tense political climate.
Next Hearing: July 1, 2024 – Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court, Dar es Salaam.
