Dar es Salaam. Lawyers for detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu warned Saturday that authorities appear to be interfering in his treason and false information case, jeopardising his right to a fair trial. His lawyers say he will begin a hunger strike, demanding justice.
During a press conference at Dar es Salaam’s Seashells Millennium Hotel, attorneys for CHADEMA’s national chairperson expressed alarm over government and prison officials’ conduct, noting they appear to be treating their client as guilty before the court has even begun examining evidence in the case.
The defence team expressed particular concern over Home Affairs Minister Innocent Bashungwa and Attorney General Hamza Johari’s public justification of remote proceedings – a move they deem “prejudicial” ahead of the court’s scheduled May 6, 2025, ruling on the matter.
While defending the controversial decision on separate occasions, both Bashungwa and Johari characterised the remote proceedings as standard practice, accusing Lissu’s team of seeking special treatment. However, lead attorney Peter Kibatala countered that such statements from high-ranking officials could compromise his client’s right to a fair trial.
“We have already presented our arguments [against remote proceedings] before the magistrate,” Mr Kibatala told journalists. “The ruling on these arguments is set for May 6, yet people outside are making reckless statements. If this isn’t an attempt to pressure the court, then what is?”
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Most of Lissu’s lawyers learned of the remote-hearing arrangement when the case was called on April 24, amid clashes between police and CHADEMA supporters attempting to attend the hearing. In the press, Lissu’s lawyers explained that, unprecedentedly, one of them had received several text messages on the night of April 23, 2025, and early morning regarding the changes that the case would be conducted online.
They promptly sought judicial clarification on the decision’s legality, formally submitting their objections. However, rather than defending the virtual hearing arrangement in court, Kibatala notes with astonishment that government officials are instead justifying it at public rallies and in parliamentary sessions.
Former Prime Minister Joseph Warioba, a retired judge, condemned the authorities’ actions as judicial interference. He made the remarks during a Tanganyika Law Society event discussing preparations for the 2025 general elections.
“What does this mean?” the former Attorney General posed pointedly. “It means the government is applying pressure, and in this climate of fear, the court might hesitate. Even if it makes a decision, people may not believe it was made independently.”
Yet this is far from the only evidence suggesting Lissu’s right to a fair trial is being compromised. At Saturday’s press conference, lead attorney Peter Kibatala became visibly emotional while detailing what he called the “brutal” treatment his client has endured in custody.
These restrictions include denying Lissu regular access to his legal counsel. When visits are permitted, they are severely limited—often lasting mere minutes—and conducted without privacy or confidentiality. Prison guards routinely monitor consultations, while attorneys are restricted to communicating with their client through a glass partition via telephone.
“If you’re prosecuting Lissu and have evidence to back your claims, why this fear?” Kibatala asked. “Grant him full access to his lawyers and let him come to court to defend himself.”
He also alleged that prison authorities prevented Lissu to attend Good Friday prayer, without any valid reasons while his fellow inmates were allowed to attend. Even when a priest from Ukonga parish went to the prison on Easter Sunday – at Lissu’s special request for prayers – the prison guards refused to grant him access, preventing the religious service from taking place.
“This is precisely why Lissu refuses to participate in remote court proceedings,” Mr Kibatala told journalists. “When you prosecute someone while claiming to have evidence, why subject them to such treatment?”
In his message from prison, Tundu Lissu said he remains resolute and uncompromising, and emphasized that if he is not taken to court on Tuesday, he will commence a hunger strike.
