Lissu’s lawyers, TLS accuse prison officers of courtroom misconduct

Dar es Salaam. Lawyers for opposition politician Tundu Lissu have condemned what they described as excessive and unlawful behaviour by prison officers during a court appearance, calling on judicial authorities to act swiftly.

The alleged incident occurred on July 30, 2025, at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court shortly after the adjournment of Mr Lissu’s treason case.

His legal team claims that prison officers used unnecessary force, including pushing him in public view, and surrounded him with their faces covered—raising concerns about transparency, judicial independence, and personal safety.

Addressing journalists in Dar es Salaam, the lawyers urged both the Judiciary and the Tanzania Prisons Service (TPS) to investigate the matter and curb what they see as an alarming trend.

“Prison officers entered the courtroom fully masked, surrounding the dock as if Mr Lissu was already guilty,” said Advocate Rugemeleza Nshala. “Initially, they sat inside the dock with him. After complaints, they now encircle it instead.”

He described the actions as illegal and intimidating, arguing that they undermine the presumption of innocence and judicial independence.

Mr Nshala expressed disappointment at what he said was institutional silence, noting that no statement had been issued by either the court or the TPS following the incident.

“Everyone saw Mr Lissu being pushed, yet there has been no disciplinary response,” he said. “This silence sends a message that the Judiciary may not be acting independently.”

He also questioned the justification for deploying masked officers around a defendant who, according to him, poses no flight risk.

The legal team indicated it is considering legal action against the officers involved, even if they had attempted to hide their identities.

“Covering their faces gives them a false sense of impunity. But we will work to identify and hold them personally accountable,” Dr Nshala said. “Our duty is to protect the justice system from individuals who disregard its core principles.”

TLS joins the fray

The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) also weighed in, describing the conduct as a violation of constitutional and international human rights.

In a statement signed by TLS President Boniface Mwabukusi, the body said the officers' actions contravened Articles 12(2) and 13(6)(b) of the Constitution and called for urgent dialogue with the Chief Justice.

“TLS urges the Prisons Service to immediately prohibit officers from concealing their identities in courtrooms and to discipline those involved in the alleged assault,” the statement read.

Advocate Mpale Mpoki, who is also part of Mr Lissu’s defence team, said all government institutions—including the TPS—must operate within the confines of the law.

“No one is above the law,” he said. “The Constitution prohibits acts of torture and humiliation, and no institution has the right to violate that.”

Mr Lissu, a prominent opposition figure and former presidential candidate, is facing a treason case that has drawn widespread public attention. His legal team has repeatedly raised concerns over the handling of the case, particularly regarding courtroom security and procedural fairness.