Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been charged with treason following his arrest at a public rally where he called for electoral reforms ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for October.
Lissu, who chairs the main opposition party CHADEMA, was arrested on Wednesday night, with regional police accusing him of incitement. The opposition has been urging the government to implement electoral reforms to ensure a free and fair vote.
On Thursday afternoon, Lissu appeared at the Kisutu Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam, accompanied by his lawyers and fellow opposition politicians. He appeared in high spirits.
The arrest took place late Wednesday after Lissu addressed supporters at a rally in Mbinga, located in the south of the country. He was forcibly taken into a police vehicle shortly after finishing his speech.
Human rights activists have criticized President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government, accusing it of using heavy-handed tactics to silence opposition voices.
© WAVN
