Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu is seeking a full acquittal in his ongoing treason trial, arguing that state prosecutors have failed to present a substantive case requiring him to mount a defence.

Lissu, a prominent figure in the main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), faces a charge of treason under Section 39(2)(d) of Tanzania’s Penal Code. The charge stems from remarks he allegedly made on April 3, 2025 in Dar es Salaam and during a political rally in Mbinga, where he was subsequently arrested while campaigning for electoral reforms under the banner “No Reforms, No Election”.

Speaking on this mattr, Dennis Beru, Journalist and Team Leader at Grassroots Journalism Kenya, noted that the trial has reached a critical juncture following the conclusion of state witness testimonies.

“The prosecution has completed testimony and closed its evidence in the trial,” Beru explained. “Now the trial has entered its second stage, with both sides making submissions on whether the evidence presented established a case for the accused to answer. Lissu is making submissions seeking to persuade the court that the prosecution has failed to establish a case requiring him to defend himself.”

The prosecution alleges that Lissu incited the public to disrupt the 2025 general elections and applied unlawful pressure on Tanzania’s top leadership.

However, Lissu’s defence maintains that his calls for citizens to resist an unfair electoral process constituted legitimate civil resistance, rather than an attempt to violently overthrow the government.

The High Court of Tanzania is expected to rule on whether the state has established a prima facie case after reviewing the submissions from both parties.

–ChannelAfrica–