A Tanzanian court has banned live coverage of treason proceedings against opposition leader Tundu Lissu, prompting criticism from the politician and his supporters who accused authorities of shrouding the case in secrecy.
Principal resident magistrate Franco Kiswaga issued the order on Monday at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam, granting a request from state prosecutors who argued that concealing the identities of civilian witnesses was necessary for their protection.
“Live streaming, live broadcast, and any other kind of live distribution of content online to the public, including on social media or video broadcast, are hereby prohibited,” Kiswaga ruled.
Lissu, who heads the opposition party CHADEMA, objected, warning that the decision would prevent Tanzanians from observing whether justice is carried out fairly. “Justice must be done and be seen to be done,” he said.
The former MP, representing himself after dismissing his lawyers, has been in detention since April on charges of treason and publishing false information. He denies the allegations, which his supporters say are politically motivated.
Lissu was runner-up in the 2020 presidential election and survived a 2017 assassination attempt in which he was shot 16 times. His detention comes as CHADEMA has been barred from taking part in October’s presidential and parliamentary elections, fuelling fears of shrinking democratic space.
Rights groups say the case underscores growing concerns about freedom of expression and political competition under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who succeeded John Magufuli in 2021 and is now seeking her first full term.
Recent abductions of government critics have further heightened scrutiny of her administration, despite Hassan’s pledges to respect human rights.
