Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has formally requested the country’s highest court to summon President Samia Suluhu Hassan as a key witness in his defense against treason charges.

Lissu, a prominent figure in the main opposition Chadema party, is facing treason allegations for reportedly calling for a boycott of upcoming elections. In addition to Hassan, Lissu’s submitted witness list includes 10 other high-profile figures, among them a former Prime Minister as well as senior security and intelligence officials.

State prosecutors have raised strong objections to the application, citing legal and constitutional protections regarding calling a sitting President to testify. The prosecution further argued that evidence previously presented in court involved officials acting under executive authority, making the president’s direct testimony unnecessary.

Lissu has denied all charges, maintaining that the trial is politically motivated.

–ChannelAfrica–