Dar es Salaam – The treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu is set to proceed after the High Court on Monday dismissed his
This sets the stage for a prolonged legal battle over procedural matters before the trial can even begin to address the substantive treason charges.
Lissu insists that the court lacks proper jurisdiction and alleges several procedural irregularities in the handling of the case since his arrest in April.
Lissu, a fierce critic of the government, is accused of treason for allegedly inciting the public to prevent the upcoming elections.
The court halted live broadcasts to protect civilian witnesses after prosecutors cited safety concerns under a High Court order.
Prosecution called for the live-streaming of the case to be halted as it moves to trial
In her ruling, Justice Elizabeth Mkwizu of the High Court’s Dar es Salaam Zone said the application lacked merit, noting that the Kisutu court’s decision took into account the rights of both parties, including the accused’s right to be heard fairly and the security of witnesses.
Katika uamuzi wake Jaji Elizabeth Mkwizu wa Mahakama Kuu Kanda ya Dar es Salaam amesema kuwa maombi hayo hayakuwa na mashiko akibainisha kuwa uamuzi wa Mahakama ya Kisutu ulizingatia haki ya pande zote ikiwemo mshtakiwa kusikilizwa kwa usawa na usalama wa mashahidi.
The decision follows closely the gazettement of the Witness Protection Rules, criticised as a strategic legal framework tailored specifically to Mr Lissu’s high-profile case.
Tundu Lissu strongly opposed the adjournment, arguing that this was the tenth postponement since the case began and that he had already spent 97 days in custody.
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