Lissu appears in court with "No Reforms, No Election" slogan amid objection from prosecution
Dar es Salaam. The treason case against opposition leader Tundu Lissu took a dramatic turn at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 2, 2025, as tensions flared between state prosecutors and the defense team.
Lissu, the National Chairman of Chadema, appeared for a mention hearing in a case where he faces two charges: treason and publishing false information online. Upon entering the courtroom, he shouted the slogan, “No reforms, no election,”—an act later described by the court as contemptuous.
Despite expectations that the matter would move swiftly—particularly because the Kisutu court is generally considered to lack jurisdiction over treason cases the prosecution requested an adjournment, citing incomplete investigations. They also argued that Lissu’s slogan constituted a violation of court decorum.
The defense team, comprising Advocates Mpale Mpoki, Dr Rugemeleza Nshala, Peter Kibatala, and others, firmly opposed the request. They contended that the prosecution had ample time to complete investigations and that continued delays were infringing on Lissu’s fundamental rights.
They emphasized that the nature of the charges limited Lissu’s ability to mount a meaningful defense.
Addressing the courtroom incident, the defense explained that Lissu had been escorted in at the same time as the magistrate, leaving him no opportunity to acknowledge his supporters in the gallery—a procedural misstep they said contributed to his frustration.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the presiding magistrate clarified that court proceedings officially commence once the judge enters the courtroom.
