Tanzania Court bans live broadcast of witness testimonies in Tundu Lissu treason case

Dar es Salaam. The Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court has ordered that the statements of prosecution witnesses expected to testify in the treason case against the Chairman of the opposition party Chadema, Tundu Lissu shall not be broadcast live as had previously been the practice.

‎The ruling, delivered today, Monday, August 18, 2025 by Senior Resident Magistrate in Charge, Franco Kiswaga, follows an application by the prosecution.

‎The decision seeks to enforce an earlier High Court order aimed at protecting some of the prosecution witnesses in the case, particularly civilians (non-security personnel), by ensuring their identities are not revealed, nor their personal details disclosed.

‎Lissu faces a single treason charge under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code, allegedly committed on April 3, 2025 in Dar es Salaam. He is accused of inciting the public to obstruct the 2025 General Election by making statements and writing remarks pressuring the Head of State.

‎Proceedings in the case had previously been live-streamed by the Judiciary’s Information Department via its YouTube channel and other online platforms. However, the prosecution argued that continued broadcasting would violate the High Court’s protection order, which directed that witnesses give evidence anonymously, without their names, addresses, or other identifying details being disclosed.

‎The High Court, through Justice Hussein Mtembwa on August 4, 2025 upheld the prosecution’s application, ruling that civilian witnesses should testify behind a screen, with their identities concealed, and barred the publication of any information that could expose them or their families.

‎Despite objections from Lissu, who argued that the prosecution was seeking to conduct the case in secrecy, Magistrate Kiswaga ruled that the live broadcast of witness statements must stop. He stressed that while criminal proceedings are generally held in open court, the law also allows restrictions to protect the safety and privacy of witnesses.

‎Magistrate Kiswaga emphasised that preventing live broadcasts does not deny the accused a fair hearing, as proceedings will still be conducted publicly in court, but without online streaming or distribution of video clips unless expressly authorised by the court.

‎He warned that any individual or media outlet that publishes or disseminates restricted information in defiance of the order would face legal action.

‎The case has now been formally transferred to the High Court, where full hearings will proceed. Lissu has prepared a 102-page defence statement, which he intends to present during trial if a prima facie case is established.