In a call to action, Amnesty International urges the immediate release of Tundu Lissu, leader of the opposition party Chadema, following his arrest on 9 April 2025 under treason charges. Tigere Chagutah, the organisation’s Regional Director, remarked on the alarming increase in the repression of political dissenters, particularly as the 2025 elections loom ever closer. He condemned the unfolding clampdown, which has seen government critics subjected to forced disappearances and violence.
The plight of Tundu Lissu began during a political rally in Mbinga. As police employed aggressive tactics, including tear gas, to quell his supporters, he was later transferred to Dar es Salaam, a daunting journey exceeding 1,000 kilometres overnight. Charged with treason due to a social media post advocating for an election boycott, Lissu faced additional charges under the cybercrime law for allegedly disseminating false information about police involvement in election irregularities.
Amnesty highlighted the deteriorating human rights climate in Tanzania, where opposition members routinely face harassment and violence. Dioniz Kipanya, a Chadema official, vanished under suspicious circumstances, while others like Deusdedith Soka and Frank Mbise suffered abductions attributed to suspected police forces. The tragic discovery of Ali Mohamed Kibao’s body only underscores the lethal risks facing opposition members in the country.
Tundu Lissu is set to appear before the Kisitu Magistrates Court in Dar es Salaam on 24 April 2025, but the chilling backdrop he faces alarms human rights advocates. Chagutah emphasised the need for Tanzanian authorities to foster a climate of respect for human rights instead of resorting to fear tactics against their critics. The international community watches closely as these events unfold, keeping hope alive for justice in Tanzania.
Amnesty International demands the release of Tundu Lissu, leader of Chadema, following his arrest and treason charges related to a political rally. The organisation highlights an alarming trend of repression against opposition leaders in Tanzania as the 2025 elections draw near, marked by forced disappearances and violence against critics. Calls for the authorities to uphold human rights echo loudly as Lissu awaits his court appearance on 24 April 2025.
The sequence of events surrounding the arrest of Tundu Lissu illuminates a troubling narrative of repression in Tanzania. His case epitomises the mounting challenges faced by political dissenters and the urgent need for the state to respect fundamental human rights. As the court date approaches, advocates continue to rally for Lissu’s release, insisting that the government shift its focus from silencing dissent to upholding freedoms.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
