NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu made his first court appearance in months on Monday, facing treason charges that carry potential capital punishment. The highly anticipated hearing was abruptly adjourned after Lissu, who is representing himself legally, formally objected to prosecutors’ plans to utilize concealed witnesses testifying from a specially secured chamber.
Lissu has remained incarcerated for ten months following his arrest at an opposition rally where he demanded constitutional and electoral reforms prior to Tanzania’s contentious 2025 election. The political veteran argued that anonymous testimony from isolated witnesses creates unacceptable judicial risks and would almost certainly prejudice his right to a fair trial.
The judicial panel announced it would deliberate on this procedural challenge and deliver a ruling on Wednesday. This legal development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing political turbulence stemming from last October’s disputed elections, which triggered widespread civil unrest, internet blackouts, and significant casualties.
President Samia Suluhu, who secured a second term with an overwhelming 97% majority amid an opposition boycott, previously attributed the violent outbreaks to foreign interference. While Suluhu has apologized for the communications shutdown and established a reconciliation commission, opposition party Chadema continues demanding accountability for protest-related fatalities.
Chadema’s deputy leader John Heche simultaneously called for Lissu’s “unconditional release,” alleging governmental offers of freedom contingent on the critic’s permanent exile. Lissu, having survived a 2017 assassination attempt and multiple exiles, represents the most prominent challenge to the ruling CCM party’s decades-long dominance.