Tanzania’s High Court has convicted CHADEMA Chairman Hon. Tundu Lissu of incitement in his ongoing treason case, while finding him not guilty of the more serious offence of treason.
The ruling means Lissu has escaped a treason conviction, but has nevertheless been found guilty of a lesser offence arising from the same case.
The decision marks a significant development in the high-profile legal battle involving the opposition leader, whose prosecution has attracted widespread attention from political leaders, human rights groups and democracy advocates.
The case stems from remarks Lissu allegedly made on April 3, 2025, at CHADEMA headquarters in Dar es Salaam, where prosecutors accused him of calling on opposition supporters to disrupt the 2025 General Election and mobilise rebellion against the government.
The treason charge was brought under Section 39(2)(d) of Tanzania’s Penal Code, which carries the death penalty upon conviction.
The judgment was delivered by a three-judge panel led by Justice Dunstan Ndunguru, alongside Justices James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde.
