Dar es Salaam – The treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu is set to proceed after the High Court on Monday dismissed his preliminary objections challenging its jurisdiction. 

The ruling, a significant moment in the country’s most-watched political trial, was immediately followed by a dramatic courtroom session in which Lissu himself argued against the very nature of the charges, while outside, the dust settled after police clashed violently with his supporters.

The three-judge panel, led by Judge Ndunguru, systematically rejected four key objections raised by Lissu. The court ruled that it had jurisdiction to hear the case despite alleged procedural flaws at the committal stage. 

It also dismissed Lissu’s claims that repeated adjournments at the lower court without stated reasons, the concealment of witnesses, and the denial of proper documentation had violated his rights.

Following the ruling, state attorney Nassoro Katuga indicated the prosecution was ready to proceed with reading the charges but immediately requested an adjournment to allow more preparation time. 

READ MORE: Tanzanian Court to Rule on Jurisdiction in Tundu Lissu Treason Trial on Sept. 15

Lissu opposed this, stating he was ready to continue. The court sided with the prosecution and granted a brief recess, but not before Lissu was given the floor to address the court.

In a lengthy and detailed address to the court, Lissu, a lawyer by training, mounted a robust defence of his actions and a critique of the treason charges. He argued that his public statements, which form the basis of the prosecution’s case, are protected political speech in a multiparty democracy, not criminal acts.

“Opposing those in power in a country with a multi-party political system is not a criminal offence,” Lissu told the judges. “Even if it is a criminal offence, is it treason deserving of hanging someone?” 

He methodically broke down the words he is accused of using, such as “we will shake things up” and calls to protest a flawed electoral system, arguing they do not meet the legal definition of treason. 

Citing multiple dictionaries and legal precedents, he contended that his words were a call for political change, not an incitement to violence or rebellion.

READ MORE: Procedural Disputes Mark Second Day of Treason Trial Against Tundu Lissu

“If I say our electoral system is bad, how is that a criminal offence? If I say this constitution is very bad and it should be changed, how is that treason?” Lissu asked. “Those words cannot be treason. Those are my opinions and my position. 160 days in prison for these words?”

Police brutality

The legal arguments inside the courtroom were preceded by a tense situation outside the courthouse, which ultimately escalated into violence. Supporters of Lissu’s CHADEMA party, who had gathered peacefully, were blocked from entering the public gallery. 

Video footage and eyewitness accounts show police in riot gear using force to disperse the peaceful crowd. CHADEMA released a statement condemning the police action, alleging that one of Lissu’s defence lawyers, Advocate Deogratius Mahinyila, was “brutally attacked, seriously injured, and humiliated” before being arrested.

Photos shared on social media showed supporters with severe bruises and welts, evidence of the police beatings. The party stated that at least eight other members were also assaulted and detained.

The violent crackdown, ironically occurring on the International Day of Democracy, has drawn widespread condemnation and amplified concerns over the shrinking democratic space in Tanzania ahead of the October 29 general election. 

Several actors have come forward to condemn police brutality. In its  statement the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) condemned police action and emphasized that the case is tried in an open court.

“Today, September 15, 2025, as Tanzania joins the international community in commemorating the International Day of Democracy to honor and promote the values of democracy in society, the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) has witnessed the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Force using force and attacking citizens who had gathered peacefully at the High Court, Dar es Salaam division,” LHRC states in its statement.

“LHRC condemns and denounces these acts, which go against the country’s laws and human rights — particularly when carried out by an institution that is supposed to be the guardian of peace and security in the country,” the statement continues.

“LHRC urges security and law enforcement agencies, particularly the police force, to exercise professionalism and refrain from using excessive force against citizens, especially those following cases involving political or public leaders.”

READ: Kisutu Court April 24 Fiasco: Epitome of Impunity and Tanzania’s Police Brutality

The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) has also released a statement, particularly condemning the targeting of its member, Deogratius Mahinyila, CHADEMA’s Youth leader, who was in the court in his capacity as an officer of the law.

“The Governing Council of the Tanganyika Law Society convened an emergency meeting this afternoon, September 15, 2025, to discuss the act committed by the police of arresting and assaulting advocate Deogratias Mahinyila at the premises of the High Court of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Registry, while he was carrying out his duties as an advocate,” TLS statement reads.

The governing council directed leaders at chapter levels to meet on September 16, 2025, so as to advise the governing council on the steps to take. It is expected the governing council will meet again in the evening of September 16.

“TLS calls upon the Police Force to immediately and unconditionally release Advocate Deogratias Mahinyila, as well as all citizens who were arrested today while in the vicinity of the Court premises,” TLS statement states.

The Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, Jumanne Muliro, has also released a statement arguing that the police were defending themselves after being attacked. 

“In the morning hours, at the High Court, Dar es Salaam Zone, while various proceedings were ongoing at the Court, a group of CHADEMA members gathered outside after the courtroom handling the case of Tundu Lissu had reached capacity,” Muliro said

“Some of those supporters who were outside the Court began causing chaos and attempted to attack police officers who were present in the area. The police defended themselves and managed to quickly restore order,” he added.

READ MORE: ‘I Will Defend Myself’: Tanzanian Politician Tundu Lissu’s Treason Ordeal Begins 

The trial of Lissu, a prominent government critic who survived an assassination attempt in 2017, is seen by many as a politically motivated effort to sideline the opposition.

The case is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, when the court will hear Lissu’s second preliminary objection, which challenges the validity of the charge sheet itself.