Tanzania opposition leader says will defend himself in treason trial

Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu told a court on Monday he had been denied his basic legal rights and that he would defend himself against a treason charge that carries the death penalty.

The fiery politician was detained in April, a move denounced by international rights groups and monitors who have called for his release.

It comes as authorities in the East African country increasingly crack down on Lissu's opposition Chadema party ahead of presidential and parliamentary polls in October.
Lissu told a packed courtroom that he had been denied confidential access to his lawyers since his detention.

"All the 68 days they have not been allowed to see me or speak to me," he said.
"It is time to step aside and let me do what I must do. From now on I will be my own lawyer," he said.

Chadema was disqualified from the upcoming elections after it refused to sign an electoral code of conduct.

Lissu has led a forceful charge against the government, vowing his party would not participate in polls without significant electoral reforms.

Wearing a shirt emblazoned with the words "No Reforms, No Election," Lissu told the judge that, despite not being sentenced yet, he has been placed in the prison's death row section.

"I am under constant surveillance by day and night," Lissu said, adding he has also been denied the freedom to worship.

He has been arrested several times in the past, but this is the first time he has faced such a serious charge.

Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called for his unconditional release.

Lissu's party has accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan of returning to theTanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu told a court on Monday he had been denied his basic legal rights and that he would defend himself against a treason charge that carries the death penalty.

The fiery politician was detained in April, a move denounced by international rights groups and monitors who have called for his release.

It comes as authorities in the East African country increasingly crack down on Lissu's opposition Chadema party ahead of presidential and parliamentary polls in October.

Lissu told a packed courtroom that he had been denied confidential access to his lawyers since his detention.

"All the 68 days they have not been allowed to see me or speak to me," he said.
"It is time to step aside and let me do what I must do. From now on I will be my own lawyer," he said.

Chadema was disqualified from the upcoming elections after it refused to sign an electoral code of conduct.

Lissu has led a forceful charge against the government, vowing his party would not participate in polls without significant electoral reforms.

Wearing a shirt emblazoned with the words "No Reforms, No Election," Lissu told the judge that, despite not being sentenced yet, he has been placed in the prison's death row section.

"I am under constant surveillance by day and night," Lissu said, adding he has also been denied the freedom to worship.

He has been arrested several times in the past, but this is the first time he has faced such a serious charge.

Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called for his unconditional release.

Lissu's party has accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan of returning to the repressive tactics of her predecessor, John Magufuli.

In May, two activists from Kenya and Uganda were detained after travelling to Tanzania in solidarity with the opposition leader, both alleging torture and sexual abuse by the officers who detained them.repressive tactics of her predecessor, John Magufuli.

In May, two activists from Kenya and Uganda were detained after travelling to Tanzania in solidarity with the opposition leader, both alleging torture and sexual abuse by the officers who detained them.