In brief
The High Court of Tanzania’s Dar Es Salaam Sub‑Registry sentenced opposition leader Tundu Lissu to four years in prison for incitement under Section 390 of the Penal Code, closing a 576‑day treason trial that had originally alleged treason. Police deployed extensive security around the court and key areas of Dar Es Salaam amid public protests and CHADEMA supporters. BBC News, after an initial error, confirmed that the conviction was for incitement, not treason.
On Friday, the High Court of Tanzania’s Dar Es Salaam Sub‑Registry sentenced opposition party co‑chairman Tundu Lissu to four years in prison for incitement, concluding a 576‑day treason trial that had started in April 2025.
The court found Lissu guilty of the lesser offence of incitement under Section 390 of the Penal Code, a charge that was invoked under Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Act when the prosecution failed to prove that his statements were aimed at intimidating the government. High‑Court Judge Dunstan Ndunguru read the judgment in the presence of police‑patrolled security. He noted that some prosecution witnesses said Lissu’s remarks had influenced them to seek to disrupt the 2025 general election.
Police reinforced security around the Posta and Kisutu areas, patrolled major roads, and secured key junctions including Ubungo, Mwenge, and Buguruni, as well as Bus Rapid Transit stations. Despite the heavy presence, public and CHADEMA supporters gathered near the court and traffic remained orderly.
BBC News reported an initial version that Lissu had been convicted of inciting treason; the outlet issued a correction noting that the conviction was for incitement, a fact confirmed by Xinhua’s reporting.
Prior to the trial, Lissu was arrested on 9 April 2025 in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region, and remained in custody throughout because treason is a non‑bailable offence. He testified in his defence, acknowledging he made the statements but rejecting the prosecution’s treasonal framing as political discourse.
