Tanzania's opposition leader to be remanded for 14 more days as defense decries 'tactical' delays

By Our Correspondent, DAR ES SALAAM Tanzania

Tanzania’s chief opposition leader, Tundu Lissu will remain in remand custody after his treason case was postponed to June 2 since the state prosecutors have not completed the investigation.

Jubilant Tundu Lissu (L) shaking hands with the former Kenyan Chief Justice, David Maraga in Dar es Salaam courtroom today

Lissu appeared before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court today, after refusing to participate in two virtual hearings.

His arrest followed a peaceful rally in Mbinga district, Southern Tanzania, where he addressed supporters of his party, CHADEMA. He is facing treason charges and allegations of publishing false information online.

The Prosecution told the Kisutu court that the matter is still being investigated under the Police force authorities; they asked the Court to adjourn the case for a fortnight.

The panel of defense lawyers led by senior lawyers Mpale Mpoki, Dr. Rugemeleza Nshala and Peter Kibatala, submitted several applications to the court, where among them; asked the Court to 'push' the Prosecution side to explain what exactly is hindering the investigation because initially it was claimed in the Court that all the evidence related to the case were available online and that the delays infringe their client's fundamental rights.

They also asked the court to accept hearing of the treason case to be physical instead of virtual hearing as the case has of national and international interest.

Tundu Lissu surrounded by prison wardens behind his lawyers

Another concern by defense lawyers is the way their client’s privacy is interfered by Prison Wardens who surround him every time, repudiating him from consulting his lawyers. In this, the court ordered the removal of the prison wardens during his consultations with his lawyers. 

The Court ordered the Prosecution to complete the investigation on time and should on the next date give proper feedback on the action reached.

Regarding the issue of Wardens surrounding the accused while in the dock or in consultation with his lawyers, the court ordered for security threat assessment to ascertain if there is threat to the accused safety; otherwise, he should be alone in the dock.

Lissu supporters queue to enter the Dar es Salaam court room

Regarding the issue of virtual hearing, the Court said that the law gives the Court the authority to hear or conduct the case in a way that it deems appropriate, including virtually, and that since the case is of paramount importance and touches the feelings of many citizens, the Court has seen that the arguments of the defense are valid. 

“So, the Court has ordered the case to continue on the next date for the accused to be brought physically to the Court as it was today.” The court said.