Tanzanian court sentences Tundu Lissu to four years, dismisses treason charge

Politics · First reported 6 Nov, 09:33 · Updated 09:55

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A court in Dar es Salaam sentenced opposition leader Tundu Lissu to four years in prison for incitement and dismissed the treason charge, which carried the threat of a death sentence. Lissu called the case political persecution, while judges said his statements were intended to disrupt the election and encourage violence.

The court sentenced Lissu to four years for incitement and cleared him of treason. The treason charge carried the threat of a death sentence.
Judges said Lissu’s statements were intended to disrupt the election and instigate violence. Lissu said he had not been charged with incitement and described the case as political persecution.
The verdict followed protests and arrests connected to Tanzania’s October 2025 election. The government reported 518 deaths; opposition figures and rights groups gave higher estimates.
British and EU lawmakers criticized the trial and called for Lissu’s release.

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Key facts

Sentence: Four years in prison for incitement.
Treason charge: Dismissed; it carried the threat of a death sentence.
Court’s stated rationale: Judges said Lissu intended to disrupt the election and instigate violence.
Reported deaths: The government put the toll at 518; opposition figures and rights groups said it was in the thousands.