A Tanzanian court says opposition leader Tundu Lissu must appear in person next month. Lissu started a hunger strike because he refused virtual hearings for his treason case. Police arrested him on April 9 after he asked for election rule changes before the October voting. His party members faced arrest when they tried to attend his earlier court date, but went free later without charges.
The judge ordered prison guards to bring Lissu to court on May 19. People can watch this hearing, unlike the earlier one, where police kept them away. This marks his first real court visit since his arrest because he skipped the virtual hearing. His legal team claims they cannot talk freely with him behind bars. Attorney Peter Kibatala said guards made them speak English during visits. Lissu survived 16 bullets in 2017 before an earlier election. His party fights rules they believe help the ruling party, which has run Tanzania since 1961.
The judge ordered prison guards to bring Lissu to court on May 19. People can watch this hearing, unlike the earlier one, where police kept them away. This marks his first real court visit since his arrest because he skipped the virtual hearing. His legal team claims they cannot talk freely with him behind bars. Attorney Peter Kibatala said guards made them speak English during visits. Lissu survived 16 bullets in 2017 before an earlier election. His party fights rules they believe help the ruling party, which has run Tanzania since 1961.
