Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has urged judges to deliver a fair verdict as his treason trial enters its final stage.
Lissu made the appeal as final submissions began at the High Court in Dar es Salaam.
The Chadema leader has been detained since April 2025.
He has pleaded not guilty to the treason charge.
Tundu Lissu treason trial enters final stage
Lissu faces allegations that he encouraged the public to rebel and prevent Tanzania’s 2025 general election from taking place.
Treason carries a possible death sentence in Tanzania, according to Africanews and agencies.
However, Lissu denies the charge.
His lawyers argue that prosecutors failed to prove their case. Prosecutors say the evidence presented in court meets the required legal standard.
Defence and prosecution make final arguments
The final submissions follow the end of Lissu’s defence case.
Lissu had sought testimony from three senior security officials. However, they declined to testify.
The opposition leader then closed his defence.
Meanwhile, supporters cheered and applauded as Lissu arrived at the court in Dar es Salaam.
Lissu says charges are politically motivated
Lissu has been detained since April 2025.
His lawyer has described the charges as politically motivated.
That is a claim from Lissu’s defence, not a finding by the court.
The Chadema leader finished second in Tanzania’s 2020 presidential election.
Chadema did not take part in the 2025 election after Tanzania’s electoral commission barred the party for failing to sign a code of conduct document.
The commission also disqualified Lissu from running for president.
The court will now consider the final arguments in the treason case.