Dar es Salaam. The Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court issued an order on Monday prohibiting the live broadcast of the ongoing treason case against CHADEMA national chairperson Tundu Lissu, currently in committal proceedings.
Committal proceedings are the legal process where a lower court, in this case, Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court, reviews whether there’s sufficient evidence to transfer a serious criminal case to the High Court for trial.
Monday’s decision comes after the prosecution raised an argument that the live broadcasts must be stopped to comply with a High Court order directing the protection of civilian witnesses in the case, to ensure their safety and that of their property and loved ones.
In its August 4, 2025, ex parte ruling following an application by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), the court ordered that all identifying details of civilian witnesses, including their names, addresses, and locations, must remain confidential throughout legal proceedings.
Prosecutors were directed to carefully review and edit all witness statements, removing any information that could reveal identities before presenting evidence in court.
READ MORE: High Court Orders Witness Protection in Treason Case Against CHADEMA Leader Tundu Lissu
To maintain fairness while protecting witnesses, the prosecution may provide summarised versions of evidence that convey the substance of testimony without exposing personal details.
In a significant restriction on media coverage, the court banned the publication or broadcast of any information that might identify protected witnesses or their family members without prior judicial approval.
The ruling also permits civilian witnesses to testify under pseudonyms, allowing them to participate in proceedings without fear of retaliation. These measures apply specifically to civilian witnesses, excluding law enforcement and government officials involved in the case.
The High Court emphasised that these protections balance the need for witness safety with Mr Lissu’s right to a fair trial, noting that intimidation of witnesses undermines the justice system.
Following this High Court order, when Lissu’s case returned to the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday, Magistrate Franco Kiswaga ruled that live broadcasts of the proceedings must cease to ensure compliance with the High Court’s directive.
READ MORE: High Court Approves Secret Witnesses in Another Tundu Lissu Case
“Live streaming, live broadcast, and any other kind of live distribution of content online to the public, including on social media or video broadcast, are hereby prohibited,” he directed.
Lissu is facing one count of treason under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code, allegedly committed on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.
He was arrested on April 9, 2025, in Mbinga, Ruvuma region, immediately after concluding his second public rally of the day promoting CHADEMA’s “No Reforms, No Election” campaign.
Lissu has challenged the handling of his treason case, opposing the witness protection order by comparing the proceedings to a ‘Star Chamber’ – referencing the infamous 15th-17th century English court known for its secretive hearings and lack of due process.
Apart from the treason case, Lissu also faces another criminal case of publishing false statements, which also continues at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court.
