Resident Magistrate Franco Kiswaga of the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court has once again adjourned Case No. 8607/2025 involving the Republic versus CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu, pushing the next hearing to August 13, 2025. On that date, the court is expected to deliver a ruling on submissions made by both sides.
The case revolves around treason charges leveled against Lissu, who has been in remand since April 9, 2025, following his arrest by police in Ruvuma Region shortly after concluding a public rally. The rally was part of his party’s “No Reforms, No Election” campaign, which demands electoral reforms in Tanzania.
During the brief session, State Attorney Nassoro Katuga requested another adjournment, citing the pending decision by the High Court expected on August 4, 2025 regarding a motion by the defense demanding the disclosure of anonymous witnesses.
“The High Court is expected to issue a ruling, and we must wait for that decision before proceeding. This court cannot override the High Court,” said Katuga.
Lissu, who is representing himself, strongly objected to the delay, arguing the court had been in favour of state counsels on unnecessarily prolonging the case. He argued that since investigations are complete, the case should be transferred to the High Court for hearing, or charges must be dropped.
He further alleged that the repeated adjournments point to a coordinated effort to politically suppress him ahead of the general election.
“For the first time, I ask this court not to adjourn the case again. This is harsh. I’m in remand living with inmates sentenced to death—as if to condition me. Your Honour, either this case begins or it should be dismissed,” Lissu stated.
The tension between Lissu and state attorneys prompted Magistrate Kiswaga to suspend proceedings, announcing that he would issue a decision on August 13.
“I won’t make a minor ruling today. I am adjourning the case because today’s submissions resemble those already presented, and even similar cases have been cited. The court needs time to deliberate,” said Magistrate Kiswaga.
