Tanzania opposition leader returns to court for treason trial after monthslong delay

NAIROBI, Kenya — NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Tanzania’s opposition leader facing charges of treason made an appearance in court after several months on Monday. However, the hearing was once again adjourned as he objected to the prosecution’s plan of presenting secret witnesses in a special enclosed cell.

The opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, has been incarcerated for 10 months since his arrest following an opposition rally where he demanded constitutional and electoral reforms before the controversial election last year.

Representing himself in the case, Lissu argued that treason carries the death penalty, and having secret witnesses in enclosed cells presents a significant risk that could lead to an unjust outcome for the trial.

The judges stated that a decision on the objection would be announced in court on Wednesday.

Following Tanzania’s October 2025 election, there were protests that led to an internet shutdown, numerous fatalities, and the arrest of thousands of demonstrators.

President Samia Suluhu attributed the violence to foreigners, despite Tanzania being known for its peaceful nature. Suluhu, who secured a second term with over 97% of the vote in the absence of major opposition candidates, later apologized for the internet shutdown and initiated a reconciliation-focused inquiry commission. However, the main opposition party, Chadema, continued to demand justice for the protest victims.

On Monday, Chadema’s deputy leader, John Heche, called for the unconditional release of Lissu, alleging that Tanzanian authorities had proposed his release on the condition that he leave the country.

Lissu, whose party refrained from participating in the October election, has been vocal about the sluggish judicial process, with his case still pending despite his arrest in April 2025.

Last year, Lissu opted to represent himself out of frustration with prison authorities restricting his private consultations with lawyers.

As one of Tanzania’s prominent critics of the ruling CCM Party, which has held power since independence, Lissu survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and returned from exile last year to advocate for reforms ahead of the election.