Tanzania’s jailed opposition leader Lissu plans hunger strike over denied legal access

Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu plans to begin a hunger strike on Monday, claiming prison authorities are denying him court-ordered private consultations with his lawyers, according to his lawyer Rugemeleza Nshala. Lissu, a leader of the main opposition party Chadema, faces a treason charge that carries a potential death sentence.

He has been detained for over 18 months, with a final judgment scheduled for November 6. Nshala said Lissu informed him of the hunger strike plan during a meeting in prison and warned him about the potential health risks, as Lissu relies on medication. Despite a court order, Lissu claims he has been denied private consultations and sometimes barred access altogether.

Nshala said Lissu questioned why court-enforced custody decisions were allowed while his lawyer access order was allegedly disregarded.