Tanzania police brought opposition leader Tundu Lissu to court Monday, where he faces treason charges. He raised his fist as supporters shouted "No Reforms, No Election" in the courtroom. Lissu told his backers not to worry about him as he made victory signs from the dock. His lawyer said the hearing was moved to June 2 because prosecutors needed more time. Lissu refused an earlier virtual court session last month after his arrest.
The opposition leader survived being shot 16 times back in 2017. He came in second place during the last presidential race. Prosecutors claim he made a speech asking people to rebel against the government. President Samia Hassan plans to run for reelection this October. She warned foreign rights activists to stay out of Tanzania during a speech Monday.
Several Kenyan rights supporters tried to attend the trial, but officers stopped them at the airport. Former Justice Minister Martha Karua traveled back to Kenya after being turned away. The ruling party faces claims that it controls elections unfairly. Lissu belongs to the CHADEMA party, which wants voting changes before joining the elections.
The opposition leader survived being shot 16 times back in 2017. He came in second place during the last presidential race. Prosecutors claim he made a speech asking people to rebel against the government. President Samia Hassan plans to run for reelection this October. She warned foreign rights activists to stay out of Tanzania during a speech Monday.
Several Kenyan rights supporters tried to attend the trial, but officers stopped them at the airport. Former Justice Minister Martha Karua traveled back to Kenya after being turned away. The ruling party faces claims that it controls elections unfairly. Lissu belongs to the CHADEMA party, which wants voting changes before joining the elections.
