Tundu Lissu’s Court Appearance Marred by Arrests of Opposition Leaders

Tanzania’s opposition party, Chadema, has condemned the arrest of two senior officials, John Heche and John Mnyika, ahead of a crucial court appearance for Tundu Lissu, the party’s leader, who faces a treason charge. Lissu, who could face the death penalty, has been an outspoken critic of the government and its electoral practices. His party has been disqualified from the upcoming elections after refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct, which they claim favors the ruling party. The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on opposition leaders by President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government, which critics argue is reminiscent of her predecessor’s repressive tactics. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have denounced the actions as a campaign to silence dissent.

The Guardian