Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has openly defied a court order, insisting that his ongoing trial should not continue until his detained supporters are released.
Speaking outside the court after a brief appearance, Lissu said that justice cannot be served while dozens of his party members remain behind bars.
He accused authorities of targeting his supporters as a way of silencing the opposition ahead of next year’s elections.
Lissu’s legal team revealed that many of those arrested were detained during a series of protests demanding political reforms and equal treatment for opposition parties.
Some of the detainees have reportedly been held for weeks without formal charges, raising concerns about human rights violations.
“We cannot proceed with this case while our people are being persecuted,” Lissu told journalists. “The government must first respect the rights of every citizen before calling us to respect court processes.”
Analysts say Lissu’s defiance could escalate tensions between the opposition and the government, which has been under pressure to show its commitment to democratic freedoms.
Civil society groups have already called for dialogue between the two sides to avoid further political unrest.
The court adjourned the session, saying it would review the defense’s concerns before setting a new hearing date. Legal experts warn that if the standoff continues, it could delay the trial significantly.
Observers from human rights organizations and diplomatic missions were present in court, a sign of the growing international interest in Tanzania’s political climate as the 2025 elections approach.
Lissu, who has survived previous assassination attempts and spent years in exile, remains one of the most outspoken critics of the current administration.
His stance is seen by many as a test of the country’s commitment to the rule of law and political pluralism.
