Lissu, who has been in custody since early this year, is facing treason charges linked to remarks he allegedly made regarding his party’s plans to block the upcoming October general elections from taking place.
According to Lissu, the handling of his case has raised serious questions about due process, as the courts have remained silent on when proceedings will resume.
He claims this silence appears calculated and is intended to prolong his detention beyond reasonable legal limits.
Lissu is currently representing himself in the case, a move that has drawn both attention and concern from legal observers and party supporters.
CHADEMA’s Director of Legal and Human Rights Affairs, Attorney Gaston Garubindi, told Jambo TV that Lissu had expected the court to promptly issue a schedule for the continuation of the trial.
Garubindi noted that this expectation was reasonable given that the initial hearing phase had already been concluded.
He further explained that the prosecution had earlier informed the court that it was fully prepared, with evidence and witnesses ready to testify against Lissu.
Garubindi also expressed concern that the matter could be delayed further due to the judiciary’s impending Christmas recess, potentially pushing the case into next year.
However, he emphasized that court breaks should not be used as justification to halt or delay cases that are already underway, especially those involving fundamental rights and personal liberty.
CHADEMA maintains that Lissu’s arrest and continued detention are politically motivated, alleging that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration is using state institutions to sideline him.
The party argues that Lissu had emerged as a serious political threat ahead of the elections, jeopardizing President Samia’s chances of securing a second term.
Similar accusations have been made regarding the treatment of ACT-Wazalendo’s Luhaga Mpina, who was also reportedly barred from contesting the presidency under comparable circumstances.
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