Former Chief Justice David Maraga with Chadema party leader Tundu Lissu when he appeared before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court, May 19, 2025. /DAVID MARAGA/XFormer Chief Justice David Maraga has expressed joy over the state in which Tanzania's main opposition leader Tundu Lissu appeared in court on Monday.
Maraga travelled to Tanzania early Monday to witness proceedings of the high-profile case aganst the Chadema party leader, who's been accused of treason and publication of false information.
They exchanged a handshake and held a brief conversation before Maraga took his seat to follow the proceedings.
Lissu appeared jovial despite the grave charges that could put him behind bars for the rest of his life.
"It was truly inspiring to see my brother Tundu Lissu in high spirits today in court. As a fellow member of Jumuiya, I hold firm in the hope that the legal process ahead will be fair, just, and expeditious—reflecting the highest standards of integrity, independence, and respect for human dignity," the former CJ said.
Lissu's case is one of the most high-profile political trials in Tanzania in recent years, reflecting heightened tensions between the government and opposition ahead of national elections.
His arrest and prosecution has drawn criticism from human rights groups from across the borders, who argue that the charges are politically motivated and aimed at suppressing dissent ahead of the elections.
People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader, Martha Karua, who had travelled to Tanzania on Sunday to observe the court proceedings was detained at the Julius Nyerere Airport before being deported.
Karua said her passport was witheld for over an hour before immigration officials told her and two other lawyers that they would not be allowed entry into Tanzania.
She was accompanied by Law Society of Kenya (LSK) member Gloria Kimani and Lynn Ngugi, a member of the Pan-African Progressive Leaders Solidarity Network.
Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who also travelled to Tanzania on a similar mission, was equally detained on Sunday alongside activists Hanifa Adan and Hussein Khalid, barely hours after Karua's deportation.
In a series of tweets on Monday, Karua expressed solidarity with Lissu as he made his first in-person court appearence.
"In solidarity with Tundu Lissu though barred from being physically present," she said as Lissu appeared before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court.
Lissu was arrested on April 9, 2025, after holding a rally in the southern town of Mbinga, where he called for electoral reforms, insisting that the upcoming elections should not proceed without significant changes to ensure their credibility.
He has been charged with treason, a grave offense in Tanzania that carries the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.
Authorities allege that Lissu’s public statements incited the public to revolt and disrupt the upcoming elections scheduled for October.
Lissu faces a separate case relating to the alleged publication of false information online, specifically content published on YouTube.
He refused to appear in court virtually, and in protest, embarked on a hunger strike demanding an in-person appearance.
A magistrate court responded by ordering Lissu's arraignment in person for his hearing on May 19, 2025, marking his first physical court appearance since his arrest.
During his court appearance, Lissu was heavily guarded, and supporters were present outside the court, chanting slogans, including, "No Reforms, No Election".
Chadema, Lissu’s party, has been vocal about the need for an independent electoral commission and broader electoral reforms, refusing to participate in the elections unless these demands are met.
Among the reforms Lissu wants enacted before the elections is the establishment of a legal provision for election outcomes to be challenged in a constitutional court.
Currently, in Tanzanian law, once the country's electoral commission declares election results, there's no leeway for anyone to contest the results.
The outcome of his trial and the broader response to opposition demands for electoral reform are seen as key indicators of the direction of democracy in Tanzania.
When she succeeded John Magufuli in 2021, President Samia Suluhu Hassan initially received praise for easing some repressive measures.
However, recent arrests of opposition figures, including Lissu, have raised concerns about a reversal of democratic gains.
