Tanzania opposition leader Lissu acquitted of treason

Associated Press · Associated Press · 2026-11-06 12:07 UTC

A Tanzanian court sentenced opposition leader Tundu Lissu to four years in prison for inciting people to disrupt last year’s election but acquitted him of treason, ruling that prosecutors had failed to prove he intended to intimidate the government. Lissu, the chairperson of the Chadema party, was arrested in April 2025 after addressing a rally calling for electoral reforms. Lissu, who has spent more than 18 months in detention, denied wrongdoing and accused the judges of following political directives. He also appealed for release to attend the burial of his elder brother, who died Sunday.

Tanzania opposition leader Lissu sentenced to 4 years for incitement, acquitted of treason

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AP) — Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu was sentenced to four years in prison on Friday after being convicted of incitement but was acquitted of the more serious charge of treason.

Lissu, the chairperson of the Chadema party, was found guilty of inciting people to disrupt last year’s election.

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