MPs ask Tanzania to guarantee Lissu fair trial
Lawmakers from six countries and the EU urged President Hassan to rule out the death penalty for Tundu Lissu.
23 parliamentarians from six countries and the European Union have asked Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to guarantee a fair trial for CHADEMA chairperson Tundu Lissu and rule out the death penalty. The appeal, published by British MP Alicia Kearns on November 3, comes ahead of the High Court's treason verdict scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026.
The lawmakers' letter, dated November 2, seeks assurances for Lissu and protection for peaceful political opposition, stating that political disagreement should not be criminalised. Dar es Salaam police, however, warned on November 3 of alleged plans for disorder on judgement day, as they monitor reports of mobilisation for court attendance. Lissu’s family is preparing to attend court before travelling to Arusha for his elder brother's funeral.
The appeal references a February finding by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention that Lissu’s detention was arbitrary and calls for his release. It also cites a July recommendation from the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group for his detention to be resolved within 30 days, a deadline that has passed. President Hassan, on November 2, instructed the human-rights commission to respond to foreign allegations while investigating domestic conditions.
Why it mattersTanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu faces a treason verdict on November 6, with international lawmakers seeking assurances of a fair trial and no death penalty.