A three-judge panel at the High Court in Dar es Salaam convicted Tundu Lissu of inciting treason while acquitting him of full treason, which carries a potential death penalty. Lissu, a lawyer who represented himself, had been arrested in April 2025 during his "No Reforms, No Election" campaign, which authorities claimed sought to disrupt the vote. The October general election ultimately resulted in President Samia Suluhu Hassan securing 98% of the vote amid an opposition boycott and candidates being barred from running. Lissu has been granted leave to take his appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Key points
The legal proceedings against Tundu Lissu centered on public speeches delivered during hi…: The legal proceedings against Tundu Lissu centered on public speeches delivered during his push for sweeping constitutional and electoral reforms.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured the presidency with ninety-eight percent of the bal…: President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured the presidency with ninety-eight percent of the ballots after her main political challengers were excluded from running.
The defense maintains the prosecution was politically motivated, and Lissu has received p…: The defense maintains the prosecution was politically motivated, and Lissu has received permission to challenge the decision before the Court of Appeal.
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Tanzania's main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, has been found guilty of inciting treason in a case that has raised concerns about political freedoms in the East African country.
The 58-year-old, who has been detained since April last year, was convicted over remarks he made while campaigning for electoral reforms ahead of the disputed 2025 general election.
A panel of three judges at the High Court in Dar es Salaam acquitted him of the more serious charge of treason.
Lissu, who leads the opposition Chadema party, has consistently denied the charges, describing the prosecution as politically motivated.
Treason is among Tanzania's most serious offences and can carry the death penalty.
He has leave to appeal at the Court of Appeal - the country's highest court.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the October 2025 election with 98% of the vote - a result the opposition dismissed the result as a "mockery" of democracy as her two main challengers, including Lissu, were excluded.
Her government has repeatedly denied targeting its opponents.
Tundu Lissu - the great survivor of Tanzanian politics
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