Main opposition leader objects to virtual hearing

Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu and his defence team have opposed the online hearing of his treason case, insisting the matter be conducted in open court. According to The Citizen Tanzania, this position was disclosed on Thursday by a prison officer who appeared via video link from the detention facility during the second attempt to conduct the hearing virtually. The officer informed the court that Lissu had refused to participate in the virtual session. Earlier, senior State Attorney Job Mrema told the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court that the prosecution was prepared to read the preliminary charges. However, Lissu’s legal team, led by Advocate Peter Kibatala, strongly objected to the attempt to proceed via video link. Kibatala argued that the law requires the physical presence of the accused during such proceedings, and that the preliminary charges could not be read in absentia or through remote means. The Kisutu Court was under tight security throughout the morning, as the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police deployed armed officers, canine units and mounted patrols in anticipation of public interest in the high-profile case. Lissu is facing charges of treason and publishing false information online. He was first arraigned on 10 April, when the charges were formally read. Lissu’s defence continues to call for an in-person hearing, maintaining that the integrity and legality of the proceedings depend on the physical presence of the accused in court.