Court dismisses Lissu’s objection on treason charges

Dar es Salaam. The High Court of Tanzania has dismissed all objections raised by opposition leader Tundu Lissu regarding the validity of the charge sheet in his treason case.

Mr Lissu faces one count of treason, based on remarks he allegedly made on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, calling on Tanzanians to prevent the 2025 General Election.

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Last week, he had argued that the charge sheet was defective because it failed to specify the particulars of the offence and the intent to commit treason, which he said were essential elements of such a charge.

Delivering the ruling on behalf of a panel of judges, on Monday September 22, 2025, presiding judge Dunstan Ndunguru said the court had reviewed the document and was satisfied that it met the legal requirements by outlining the offence as prescribed by law.

On the issue of intent, the court said that this was a matter of evidence, which would be presented during the trial.

Regarding Mr Lissu’s argument that the witnesses’ statements were invalid for allegedly violating a previous High Court order to protect civilian prosecution witnesses, and that police officers’ statements were taken unlawfully, the court ruled that those issues are related to committal proceedings and had already been determined.

Consequently, the court concluded that Mr Lissu’s objection had no basis and dismissed it.

Following the ruling, Mr Lissu was formally read the charge. While he admitted that the words quoted in the charge sheet — which are alleged to constitute treason — were indeed his, he denied committing treason.

He maintained that the statements were purely political, noting that he is a critic of the government and elections, and that his intention was to prevent the election from taking place.

Mr Lissu was then presented with the case summary, after which he will be required to indicate the facts he agrees with and those he disputes.