Tanzanian police detain opposition leaders before Lissu’s court appearance

Tanzanian authorities detained two prominent opposition leaders on Thursday as they were on their way to a court hearing for Tundu Lissu, who faces serious charges of treason.

The detained individuals, John Heche, the Deputy Chairperson of the CHADEMA party, and John Mnyika, the party’s Secretary General, were arrested while traveling to the Kisutu Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam.

Brenda Rupia, the spokesperson for CHADEMA, confirmed the detentions to the press.

While the exact reasons for their arrest remain unknown, efforts to obtain comments from the police were unsuccessful.

These arrests have raised concerns over the growing political tensions in Tanzania, particularly regarding the treatment of opposition figures.

Tundu Lissu, a key opposition figure and the runner-up in the 2020 presidential race, faces charges of treason after being accused of delivering a speech that allegedly urged the public to rebel and disrupt the October 2020 elections.

Despite the gravity of the charges, Lissu has yet to enter a plea, and the case has brought widespread attention to how the government is handling political opposition.

This case has intensified scrutiny of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s human rights record as she seeks re-election.

Although President Hassan has consistently promised to uphold human rights, the charges against Lissu and the recent detentions of opposition leaders have sparked criticism and raised questions about the government's commitment to free expression.