Tundu Lissu treason trial resumes, Chadema says

Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu's treason trial resumed on Monday after a five-month pause over procedural issues, his Chadema party said.

Lissu, whose party Chadema was disqualified from the 2025 elections, was detained in April 2025 and charged with treason, which carries a possible death penalty.

The case had been paused at the high court since February 24 while prosecutors challenged a decision to admit additional evidence. The Court of Appeal struck down their appeal on July 30, clearing the way for the trial to resume.

Outside the Dar es Salaam courthouse, Lissu accused prosecutors of trying "to waste time so that I can continue to remain in remand custody", according to a video shared by Chadema.

Chadema spokesperson Brenda Rupia called the trial a critical moment for Lissu's freedom and for Tanzania's commitment to democracy and political freedoms. The party claimed the case had been used to suppress legitimate opposition.

The trial follows international criticism of Tanzania's handling of protests around the 2025 national polls. The opposition and rights activists said thousands were killed during those protests.