Court orders Lissu to appear in person in false information case
Tanzanian opposition Chadema party leader Tundu Lissu at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court in Dar es Salaam on April 10, 2025. PHOTO | REUTERS
What you need to know:
- The decision followed arguments between the prosecution, which preferred a video link and the defence, which insisted on Lissu’s physical presence.
Dar es Salaam. The Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court has ordered opposition leader Tundu Lissu to be brought physically to court for the hearing of a case in which he is charged with publishing false information on YouTube.
Mr Lissu, who is Chadema’s national chairperson, is currently held at Ukonga Prison and is facing two separate cases: one of treason and another involving three counts of disseminating false information.
Senior Resident Magistrate, Geofrey Mhini, ruled yesterday that the case concerning false information will proceed in open court, citing the importance of public access and transparency.
The decision followed arguments between the prosecution, which preferred a video link and the defence, which insisted on Lissu’s physical presence.
The court directed prison authorities to bring Lissu to court on May 19, 2025, for the reading of preliminary hearing (PH) submissions. Magistrate Mhini stressed that Lissu’s presence was necessary for signing PH documents and understanding the issues in dispute.
The ruling also cited Article 13(6)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees an accused person the right to a fair hearing, as grounds for rejecting the video link option, especially after Lissu declined to participate virtually.
Earlier, State Attorney, Tawab Issa, told the court that the prosecution was ready for the PH ruling. However, a prison officer informed the court that Lissu had refused to join the session via video.
The magistrate emphasised the need for peace and discipline inside and outside the courtroom, calling on supporters and the public to respect court procedures.
Treason case progress
In the related treason case, which was also scheduled for May 6, Senior Resident Magistrate Franco Kiswaga instructed the prosecution to expedite investigations and provide an update on May 19.
Lissu is accused of committing treason on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam by allegedly inciting the public to block the 2025 General Election.
Defence counsel, Mpare Mpoki, questioned why investigations had not been completed nearly a month since the case was first brought to court on April 10.
State Attorney Tawab responded that investigations were ongoing and assured the court that relevant documents would be presented once ready.
Defence team happy
Outside the courtroom, Lissu’s legal team welcomed the decision. Chadema’s Head of Legal Affairs, Dr Rugemeleza Nshala, said the court correctly upheld legal provisions requiring the accused to be present for PH proceedings.
He noted that the defence had also raised concerns about Lissu’s restricted access to his lawyers and the public’s ability to attend the hearing—issues addressed by the court ruling.
Advocate Peter Kibatala praised the court’s independence, calling the decision a bold affirmation of judicial integrity.
“This ruling confirms the judiciary’s commitment to fairness. The case is being followed closely by local and international observers,” he said. He urged supporters and the general public to maintain calm and allow the court to perform its duties without interference.
Tight security
Security was tighter than during previous court appearances. Police on horseback and foot patrols monitored the court’s surroundings, and civilians without clear reasons for being there were asked to leave.
Officers were also stationed at strategic points, including near Mnazi Mmoja, Serena Hotel, Holiday Inn and the College of Business Education. Only accredited journalists were allowed entry into the court premises. (Hadija Jumane, Baraka Loshilaa and Tuzo Mapunda)
