Tanzania treason case: Lissu, defence lawyers oppose virtual hearing
What you need to know:
- Mr Lissu’s legal team, argued that the law requires the physical presence of the accused during such proceedings, and that the preliminary charges could not be read in absentia or through remote means.
Dar es Salaam. Chadema National Chairman Tundu Lissu and his defence team have opposed the online hearing of his treason case, insisting the matter be conducted in open court.
The position was disclosed on Thursday, April 24, 2025, by a prison officer who appeared via video link from the detention facility during the second attempt to conduct the hearing virtually.
The unnamed officer informed the court that Mr Lissu had refused to participate in the virtual session.
Earlier, Senior State Attorney Job Mrema told the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Senior Resident Magistrate Geoffrey Mhini, that the prosecution was prepared to read the preliminary charges. However, Mr Lissu was not present in court.
Mr Lissu’s legal team, led by advocate Peter Kibatala, strongly objected to the attempt to proceed via video link.
Mr Kibatala argued that the law requires the physical presence of the accused during such proceedings, and that the preliminary charges could not be read in absentia or through remote means.
Heightened security
The Kisutu Court was under tight security throughout the morning, as the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police deployed armed officers, canine units and mounted patrols in anticipation of public interest in the high-profile case.
The security operation began in the early hours of the morning, ahead of the scheduled online hearing at 9:00 a.m. Although no large gatherings were reported at the court gates, several journalists were allowed to remain approximately 100 metres from the entrance.
Police officers issued dispersal orders to individuals who had gathered nearby, warning against unauthorised assembly. Some were arrested for defying the orders, while others received formal cautions.
Mr Lissu is facing charges of treason and publishing false information online. He was first arraigned on April 10, 2025, when the charges were formally read.
Technical disruptions
The virtual session at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court was briefly postponed due to technical issues, including poor internet connectivity and low audio quality. Proceedings were delayed by approximately 10 minutes while technicians attempted to restore stable service.
Magistrate Mhini noted the need to address the disruptions before deciding whether the case could proceed or be adjourned.
The video conference room at the court was reportedly overcrowded, and several individuals were denied entry due to space limitations.
Mr Lissu’s defence continues to call for an in-person hearing, maintaining that the integrity and legality of the proceedings depend on the physical presence of the accused in court.
