Tundu Lissu completes final defense in High Court treason trial

Tundu Lissu, chairman of the opposition party CHADEMA, has completed his final defense in a High Court treason trial in Dar es Salaam. Lissu urged the three-judge panel, led by Judge Dunstan Ndunguru, to either convict him if the evidence is sufficient or acquit him if the prosecution fails to meet the criminal standard of proof.

Lissu challenged the prosecution's case by arguing that they failed to establish several key propositions, including that he convened a specific meeting on April 3, 2025, or that he intended to incite obstruction of the 2025 election. He further contended that the disputed video was published by Jambo TV staff rather than himself.

Additionally, Lissu requested the court disregard testimony from several prosecution witnesses, alleging that their statements were contradictory, false, or driven by ulterior motives. He cited discrepancies regarding religious affiliations, political memberships, and conflicting accounts of police interactions. The prosecution is scheduled to begin its final submissions on Tuesday, September 29.