Tanzania’s leading opposition figure, Tundu Lissu, was on Thursday formally charged with treason, following his arrest a day earlier after attending a political rally in the southern part of the country, according to one of his legal representatives.
The Chadema party chairman’s detention comes amid growing criticism directed at President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, with many alleging a tightening grip on the opposition in the lead-up to the general elections slated for October.
“Lissu has been charged with treason, which has no bail,” confirmed attorney Jebra Kambole.
While Lissu has previously faced multiple arrests by Tanzanian authorities, this marks the first instance he is confronting a charge as grave as treason.
Prior to the formal charges, police indicated that Lissu had been interrogated over claims of inciting citizens to obstruct the electoral process.
Lissu, along with several other Chadema members, was apprehended after a rally held in Mbinga, located in the southern Ruvuma region.
The party reported that security forces used tear gas to break up the gathering.
