Tundu Lissu submits final arguments in Tanzanian treason trial

Tundu Lissu, the chairman of the opposition party CHADEMA, has presented his final submissions in his treason trial before a three-judge bench of the High Court of Tanzania. Presided over by Justice Dastan Ndunguru, the proceedings focus on whether Lissu’s political speeches constitute the crime of treason under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code.

The defense argues that the prosecution has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the words Lissu allegedly uttered at political rallies in April 2025 meet the legal requirements for treason. Lissu’s legal team contends that the prosecution has not clarified how specific phrases, such as claims regarding the prevention of the 2025 general election, satisfy the essential legal ingredients of the offense.

Furthermore, Lissu has challenged the charge sheet for failing to specify which particular entity or leader of the United Republic of Tanzania was allegedly threatened. He argued that his statements did not explicitly target the President, the Vice President, or the government as a whole, and maintained that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution to demonstrate how his rhetoric constitutes a criminal attempt to incite the public or facilitate the prevention of the national election.