Intelligence Brief: Tanzanian Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu Claims Treason Case Based on Falsified Court Records
Ujasusi Blog’s East Africa Monitoring Team | 09 September 2025 | 0055 BST
🌐 Overview
On 8 September 2025, the High Court of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam convened for the preliminary hearing of Hon. Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges under Criminal Case No. 19605/2025. The case, unprecedented in its complexity and political weight, is only the third treason trial in Tanzania's history, following those of 1970 and 1983.
Despite being incarcerated for 153 days, Lissu arrived in court early, drawing large crowds, diplomats, senior opposition officials, and a legal team of over 50 lawyers. The government, citing security concerns, barred journalists from recording the session and prohibited mobile phone use.