Tanzania's Tundu Lissu begins hunger strike
Jailed opposition leader protests denied access to lawyers ahead of treason verdict.
Tanzania's jailed opposition leader Tundu Lissu started a hunger strike on Monday to protest his inability to meet his lawyers.
Lissu, the Chadema party leader, began refusing food after his legal team was barred from entering Ukonga prison, where he is detained on treason charges. His lawyers had accused prison officers of eavesdropping on their meetings.
The High Court had ruled earlier this month that Lissu must be allowed private meetings with his lawyers. Lissu faces the death penalty if convicted, with a verdict expected on November 6. He was detained last April and accused of inciting a boycott of the 2025 elections.
Why it mattersOpposition leader Tundu Lissu is on hunger strike in jail while facing treason charges and a potential death penalty.