Archive · 18 Aug 2025
Tanzania Court Bans Live Coverage of Opposition Leader's Trial
A court in Tanzania has stopped people from watching the trial of the main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, as it happens live.
The court said this is to protect witnesses by keeping their identities secret.
Lissu, who is accused of serious crimes, thinks this is a bad idea because it prevents people from seeing how justice is being done.
He believes it hides what's happening.
The ban includes things like live video on social media.
Lissu was shot years ago and is a leader of Tanzania's biggest opposition party.
He is also not allowed to run for president in upcoming elections.
Tanzania court bans live coverage of treason trial against opposition leader.
The ban prevents live streaming and online distribution of content.
The court aims to protect prosecution witnesses' identities, according to the magistrate.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu opposes the ban, claiming it hinders transparency.
Lissu faces treason and false information charges, previously survived an assassination attempt.
- Who
- Principal Resident Magistrate Franco Kiswaga issued the ban in the case of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
- What
- A court in Tanzania banned live coverage of opposition leader Tundu Lissu's treason trial.
- When
- The ban was announced Monday during preliminary proceedings.
- Where
- Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- Why
- To protect the identities of prosecution witnesses, according to the court.
Opposition
Court
Transparency vs. Witness Protection
Opposition
The ban on live coverage hinders transparency and prevents the public from witnessing the proceedings.
Court
The ban protects the identities of prosecution witnesses.
- Defendant
- Tundu Lissu
- Charges
- Treason and publication of false information
- Court
- Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court
- Magistrate
- Franco Kiswaga
- Opposition Party
- CHADEMA
- Previous Incident
- Lissu survived assassination attempt in 2017