A Tanzanian court has prohibited media outlets from broadcasting the trial of prominent opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges.
Principal Resident Magistrate Franco Kiswaga announced the ruling during preliminary proceedings at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court, citing the need to protect civilian witnesses. “Live streaming, live broadcasting, and any other form of live distribution, including social media, are hereby prohibited,” he declared.
Lissu, leader of the opposition party CHADEMA, was arrested in April after prosecutors accused him of urging the public to disrupt the country’s upcoming October elections. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. The court’s decision means the trial will proceed behind closed doors.
The opposition figure criticized the move, arguing that it strips the trial of transparency. “Justice must be done and be seen to be done,” Lissu said, warning that secrecy would prevent citizens from following proceedings.
Lissu, a former lawyer and 2020 presidential candidate, has long been a central figure in Tanzanian politics. Despite surviving an assassination attempt in 2017, when he was shot 16 times, he has continued to challenge the ruling establishment. CHADEMA has been barred from participating in the upcoming polls after demanding reforms to what it calls an unfair electoral process.
The case has heightened concerns over human rights in Tanzania. International watchdogs and a 2024 U.S. State Department report have accused the government of clamping down on freedoms, citing arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and restrictions on press and political activity.