Detained Tanzania opposition figure says state delaying trial ahead of polls

Tanzania's main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, stands in the dock at a hearing in his treason trial in Dar-es-Salaam on May 19, 2025 [Ericky Boniphace/AFP]

Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu accused a court on Wednesday of colluding with the state to delay his treason trial, which carries the death penalty, ahead of elections this year.

Lissu was detained in April, a move denounced by international rights groups and monitors who have called for his release, and has remained in detention since then.

It comes as authorities increasingly crack down on his opposition Chadema party ahead of presidential and parliamentary polls in October.

The lower court handling his case is still awaiting permission from the High Court to proceed due to the severity of the charge Lissu faces.

On Wednesday, prosecutors asked the court to postpone the case once again as they wait for their application to the High Court to grant them permission to "protect" witnesses during the trial.

"Another postponement," said Lissu, appearing in court to condemn the inaction.

"This endless postponement is clear evidence of abuse of court proceedings," he told the magistrate, alleging the court was being "abused by state attorneys".

"I charge there is collusion of the court in this game. If there is no conspiracy to keep me in custody so they can sort out their election plans, then for once, deny their request," Lissu said.

The case was postponed to August 13, with the magistrate ordering prosecutors to complete the necessary legal processes.

State attorney Nassoro Katuga defended the request to postpone, saying they were simply waiting for the High Court decision and "this is not to abuse the court process".

Lissu has been arrested several times in the past, but this is the first time he has faced such a serious charge.

Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called for his unconditional release.

Lissu's party has accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan of returning to the repressive tactics of her predecessor, John Magufuli.