Tanzania's primary opposition organization has accused authorities of systematically targeting its leadership after prison officials prevented party chairman Tundu Antiphas Lissu from appearing at a scheduled treason hearing in Dar es Salaam. Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo reported that security concerns were cited for blocking the November 10 court session, while prosecutors indicated witnesses from Ruvuma and Mbeya could not travel to testify. The High Court rejected a 14-day postponement request and rescheduled proceedings for November 12 with mandatory attendance orders.
The party disclosed that Deputy Secretary General Amani Golugwa became the third senior official detained by police alongside Lissu and Vice Chairperson John Heche, leaving only half of the top leadership outside custody. Communications Director Brenda Rupia characterized the arrests as a coordinated effort to disrupt operations and intimidate members. Lissu, who survived a 2017 assassination attempt and returned from exile in 2023, faces charges the opposition dismisses as politically driven persecution.
The party disclosed that Deputy Secretary General Amani Golugwa became the third senior official detained by police alongside Lissu and Vice Chairperson John Heche, leaving only half of the top leadership outside custody. Communications Director Brenda Rupia characterized the arrests as a coordinated effort to disrupt operations and intimidate members. Lissu, who survived a 2017 assassination attempt and returned from exile in 2023, faces charges the opposition dismisses as politically driven persecution.
