Lissu’s treason case adjourned as defence decries delays, demands transparency

Dar es Salaam. The high-profile treason case involving opposition politician Tundu Lissu was mentioned again at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, May 6, with defence lawyers raising concerns over continued delays and calling for greater transparency in the prosecution’s conduct.

Mr Lissu’s defence team, led by Dr Rugemeleza Nshala, told reporters outside the courtroom that the matter was brought before Senior Resident Magistrate Franco Kiswaga.

Dr Nshala revealed that Mr Lissu had declined to participate in the virtual proceedings, insisting instead on making a physical appearance in open court.

The case stems from remarks made by Mr Lissu on April 3, 2025. However, it is yet to proceed to the hearing stage, with the prosecution citing incomplete investigations as the cause of the delay.

“We informed the court that, as the charges are based solely on words allegedly spoken by our client, there is no need for further investigations. The prosecution should by now have submitted the preliminary investigation file to enable the court process to move forward,” Dr Nshala said.

Prosecutors, however, told the court that they were under no legal obligation to submit the file at this stage and assured the magistrate that the documentation would be presented upon completion of the investigation.

In response, Magistrate Kiswaga directed the prosecution to provide a comprehensive progress report on the investigation during the next court session, scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2025, to prevent further procedural delays.

“We hope that the prosecution will comply with the court’s directive so that we can proceed to a fair and timely hearing,” said Dr Nshala.

He emphasised that the case was not about any action, but rather words—words that, he claimed, had unsettled the government.

“We are ready to demonstrate that what our client said constituted democratic expression, not a criminal offence,” he added.

Fellow defence lawyer Mr Jebra Kambole echoed the concerns, noting that the content in question is publicly accessible across various platforms.

“The statements are readily available on YouTube, on CDs, and in the media. There is nothing hidden to investigate. The court has now clearly stated that prosecutors must outline the scope and status of the investigation at the next mention,” said Mr Kambole.

The defence expects that the May 19 appearance will clarify the direction the case will take as they prepare to contest the State’s charges and assert Mr Lissu’s innocence.

Mr Lissu was formally charged with treason on April 11, 2025, at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court over statements made on April 3. The incitement charge is non-bailable.

However, he also faces three additional charges under Section 16 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 14 of 2015, which are bailable. These relate to the alleged publication of false information on YouTube with the intent to mislead the public.

The first count accuses Mr Lissu of spreading misinformation regarding the disqualification of Chadema candidates during the 2024 Local Government Elections, claiming that the move followed instructions from the President.