A Dar es Salaam court on Monday banned live broadcasting of Tanzania’s main opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s treason trial, citing the need to protect civilian witnesses.
Zig Diaries Africa News
Date: Monday, 18 August 2025
Time: 13:45 WAT
Location: 📍 Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
The ruling intensifies scrutiny over the East African nation’s human rights record just weeks ahead of general elections in October.
Principal
Resident Magistrate Franco Kiswaga said, “Live streaming, live broadcast, and
any other kind of live distribution of content online to the public including
on social media or video broadcast ... are hereby prohibited,” during
preliminary proceedings at Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court.
Lissu, the
leader of CHADEMA - Tanzania’s largest opposition party - condemned the
decision, arguing that keeping the trial behind closed doors prevents public
scrutiny. “Justice must be done and be seen to be done,” he said.
The 57-year-old
former lawyer survived a 16-gunshot assassination attempt in 2017 and ran for
president in 2020, finishing second. He was arrested in April after delivering
a speech prosecutors said encouraged public disruption of the upcoming
elections. Conviction on the treason charge could carry the death penalty.
CHADEMA has
been barred from participating in the October polls after contesting an
electoral process it claims favours the ruling party.
Human rights
observers say Tanzania’s record has worsened under President Samia Suluhu
Hassan, citing arbitrary arrests, disappearances, and severe restrictions on
freedom of expression and media. A 2024 U.S. State Department report noted
“arbitrary or unlawful killings; disappearances; torture or cruel, inhuman, or
degrading treatment or punishment; arbitrary arrest or detention; and serious
restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom.”
Fact-Check & Background:
Tundu Lissu is a long-time opposition figure and human rights lawyer.
CHADEMA has faced restrictions and exclusion from the October 2025 elections.
Tanzania’s recent history includes a 2017 assassination attempt on Lissu and multiple reports of human rights violations.
The live coverage ban is a legal measure often used in high-profile trials citing witness protection.
🏷️Tags: Tanzania, Tundu Lissu, CHADEMA, treason trial, media ban, Dar es Salaam, human rights, African politics
#ZigDiariesAfrica #TanzaniaPolitics #TunduLissu #CHADEMA #MediaFreedom
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