Tundu’s arrest on Wednesday after a rally in the southwestern region of Ruvuma, initially came as a result of a video that had been posted on YouTube, as reported by Sputnik.
In the video, Tundu Lissu asserted that candidates in the 2024 local elections “were disqualified under the [Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s] instructions.”
His declaration in the video led to his arrest, and a day later, he was charged with treason at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court.
In Tanzania, treason is categorized as a capital crime, which as the name suggests could lead to capital punishment.
As reported by the BBC, the treason charge he was hit with is connected to a countrywide movement calling for electoral reform with the motto “No Reforms, No Election.”
Authorities rationalized his arrest by noting that the campaign is characterized as agitating the populace against the general election.
Reports indicate that the opposition leader is currently being remanded in prison after being denied the opportunity to enter a plea to the treason allegation.
He is scheduled to return to court on April 24 after entering a not-guilty plea to a different allegation of posting false information.
Criticism on Tundu Lissu’s arrest
Rugemeleza Nshala, Lissu’s attorney, said that the accusations against his client were motivated by politics.
Human rights groups have decried the use of coercion and charged the administration, under president
Samia Suluhu Hassan, with exploiting state institutions to stifle criticism.
“We are surprised that the police are harassing us when our rallies are peaceful,” one of Lissu’s party supporters said.
“We know the ruling party, CCM, is behind all this. We will fight for changes before elections,” the supporter added.
A lawyers’ group pointed out that Lissu’s arrest and the crackdown on his supporters were an improper use of power and demonstrated a lack of political tolerance.
