Dar es Salaam. The European Parliament has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Tanzanian opposition politician Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges following his arrest at a political rally in Mbinga on April 9.
In a resolution adopted during its plenary session on May 7, the EU Parliament described the charges as politically motivated and warned that they carry the risk of the death penalty, which the EU opposes in all circumstances.
“We express our concern over the arrest of Mr Lissu and the charges against him, which carry severe legal consequences. We believe these charges may be politically driven,” the resolution reads.
Mr Lissu, a prominent figure in Tanzania’s opposition party Chadema, has faced repeated legal and security challenges. He survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and spent several years in exile before returning to continue his political work.
The resolution also condemned what it described as an increasing clampdown on opposition voices, civil society, and independent media in Tanzania. It highlighted incidents of arbitrary arrests, harassment, and restrictions on freedom of expression and association.
Particular concern was raised over the treatment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and others (LGBTQ+) activists, with the EU Parliament urging Tanzanian authorities to end criminalisation based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The resolution criticised existing laws and called for reforms in line with international human rights standards.
Same-sex relations remain criminalised under Tanzanian law, and public sentiment strongly opposes LGBTQ+ rights, citing cultural and religious values. Nonetheless, the EU Parliament stressed the need for equal protection under the law for all individuals, regardless of identity.
“Fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, media, association, and protection from discrimination, must be upheld,” the resolution stated.
The EU Parliament also raised concern over Chadema’s exclusion from the October 2025 general election following its refusal to sign an electoral code of conduct. It urged Tanzanian authorities to ensure the party’s full participation in the democratic process.
Ahead of the November 2024 local elections, the Parliament cited reports of candidate disqualifications, social media restrictions, media bans, and the alleged abduction and killing of government critics.
The resolution called on EU member states to engage Tanzanian authorities and monitor the progress of Mr Lissu’s trial, warning of “appropriate measures” should the situation deteriorate.
It also urged reforms to Tanzania’s cybercrime and media laws and reiterated its opposition to the death penalty, calling for its abolition and the commutation of existing sentences.
