Tanzania’s main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, was granted permission on Monday to represent himself in his treason trial following denials by prison authorities to allow private meetings with his lawyers.
Lissu, arrested April 9 and charged with treason after advocating electoral reforms, stated he was forced to speak to counsel via phone in a monitored room.
He expressed deep trust in his 30-plus lawyers, but noted 68 days without private consultations since his arraignment.
Chief Magistrate Franco Kiswaga at Dar es Salaam’s Kisutu court allowed Lissu to engage directly with the prosecution, urging swift investigations and setting a July 1 hearing.
Lissu also protested denied basic rights, including worship, claiming confinement in a death row section despite no conviction.
His Chadema party criticizes the lack of an independent electoral commission and laws favoring the ruling CCM.
Lissu survived a 2017 assassination attempt, being shot 16 times.
Human rights activists accuse President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government of heavy-handed tactics against the opposition, claims the government denies.
