Tanzania: Pan-African Network demands Tundu Lissu’s release after 4 -year prison sentence
The Pan-African Solidarity Network (PASNet) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu after the High Court acquitted him of treason but convicted him of incitement and sentenced him to four years in prison. In a joint statement issued on Friday, November 6, 2026, the organisation condemned the ruling and […]
Tanzania's opposition leader Tundu Lissu was recently convicted of incitement and sentenced to four years in prison, but acquitted of treason. This ruling highlights the shrinking civic space across Africa, as criminal laws are increasingly used against political opposition. Lissu, leader of the CHADEMA party, was arrested in April 2025 for campaigning against electoral reforms, leading to his imprisonment after over 18 months in detention.
The court found that prosecutors failed to prove the treason charge, but convicted him of incitement under Section 390 of the Penal Code. This case has raised concerns about the use of criminal law to stifle dissent in Tanzania and across the continent. Similar issues persist in other African nations, such as Uganda and Rwanda, with opposition figures facing similar legal pressures.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Tundu Lissu judgment: How Tanzania’s shrinking civic space reflects a wider African crisis peopledaily.digital
- Tanzania opposition leader Lissu cleared of treason but jailed for incitement rfi.fr
- Tanzania: Opposition leader Tundu Lissu jailed for four years dw.com
- Not guilty! Tundu Lissu avoids death penalty in treason trial standardmedia.co.ke
- Tanzania court jails opposition leader for incitement, lifts treason charge aljazeera.com
- Tanzania opposition leader Lissu sentenced to 4 years for incitement, acquitted of treason winnipegfreepress.com
