Tanzania jails opposition leader Lissu for incitement

Lissu cleared of treason, convicted of incitement

A Tanzanian High Court panel cleared opposition leader Tundu Lissu of treason on Friday but sentenced him to four years in jail for inciting unrest, avoiding a possible death sentence.

Who is Lissu and what party does he lead

Lissu, fifty-eight, is a lawyer and president of Chadema, Tanzania's main opposition party. The High Court in Dar es Salaam, the country's commercial capital, convicted him over remarks calling for electoral reforms.

Court found Lissu intended to disrupt elections

A judge told the packed courtroom: "We are satisfied that through his statements, the accused intended to disrupt elections and instigate violence." Prosecutors argued his statements amounted to treason.

“We are satisfied that through his statements, the accused intended to disrupt elections and instigate violence.”

Lissu's campaign for electoral reform

Lissu launched a drive for changes to Tanzania's electoral system under the slogan "No Reforms, No Election" six months before the October two thousand twenty-five vote. His arrest came shortly after.

“No Reforms, No Election”

Lissu detained since April two thousand twenty-five

Lissu has been detained since April two thousand twenty-five. He has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that his campaign was lawful and the charges against him politically motivated.

Lissu's defence in his own trial

Lissu, a lawyer, represented himself during the trial. He maintained that his comments had been taken out of context and that he had committed no crime.

International lawmakers condemn the trial

British and European Union lawmakers described the trial as politically driven and called for Lissu's immediate release.

“The use of capital punishment against a political opponent risks turning the justice system into an instrument of political repression.”

Disputed October two thousand twenty-five election

President Samia Suluhu Hassan won with ninety-eight percent of the vote after her two main challengers, including Lissu, were excluded. The opposition dismissed the result as a mockery of democracy.

Death toll from election violence disputed

A government-appointed commission put the death toll at at least five hundred eighteen, blaming protesters for the violence. Opposition groups and human rights organisations say the authorities killed thousands.

Government rejects excessive force accusations

Accusations that security forces used excessive force have been rejected by the government. President Hassan has insisted the election was fair and transparent, blaming foreigners for the unrest.