Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania (AP) – Tanzania's most prominent opposition leader appeared in court on Monday, facing treason after calling for election reforms ahead of the October general election.
Treason was convicted and sentenced to death. But a highly inspiring Tundu Lissu wore a T-shirt that read “No reform, no elections” which was linked to his arrest on April 9 after he spoke at a public rally.
Lissu started a hunger strike in protest against a virtual court appearance rather than being allowed to appear in person.
Politicians who were the opposition’s proper party chairman survived the assassination attempt in 2017 and have been in exile for part of his life since.
Lissu encouraged supporters not to be afraid during court appearances and made a victory gesture.
Investigators asked for another two weeks to complete the investigation. The trial will take place on June 2.
Lissu's supporters face repression. Kenyan opposition politician Martha Karua arrived in Tanzania before the hearing and was deported. Former Kenya Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and three Kenyan activists were detained.
Kenya's Foreign Ministry Secretary Korir Sing'oei called on Monday to release Mutunga and his delegation.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government has been accused of using violent tactics against the opposition. The government denies the claim.
Hassan will run for another term in the October general election, which will also choose members of parliament. The Chadma Party has been criticizing the lack of independent election commissions and laws, which said the party has been in power since Tanzania's independence in 1961.
