Tundu Lissu, the charismatic Tanzanian opposition leader facing treason case has shocked the court after declaring that his prime witness will be the country president.
On the other hand, the Dar-es-salaam Resident Magistrate Court at Kisutu has imposed a ban on live media coverage of the proceedings in the case against the main opposition figure in Tanzania, Tundu Antipas Lissu.
The Tanzanian government is charging Tundu Lissu with treason.
Lissu who is the chairperson of Tanzania’s main opposition party, the Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) has however criticised the court decision to ban live coverage.
Principal Resident Magistrate Franco Kiswaga said the ban would help protect civilian prosecution witnesses, acceding to a request by the state prosecutor who said it was necessary to conceal their identities.
“Live streaming, broadcasting and any other kind of live distribution of content online to the public during the trial is hereby prohibited,” announced the magistrate at the Kisutu Court hall.
The restriction also applies to coverage on social media or video broadcast
The accused has named his witnesses as the President of Tanzania, the Vice-President and Prime Minister. This shocked the court and the magistrate.
That means the top three leaders will have to be summoned into court.
For over five months the case against Tundu Lissu has been running at the Kisutu court in Dar-es-salaam. The latest preliminary proceedings were also held at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam.
Lissu had already opposed the request to block coverage saying that such an order would allow the court to operate in “darkness” and prevent his supporters from following the case.
Officials from his CHADEMA party also criticised the court’s order.
John Heche, the party secretary general said if the charges on the case file reads the republic against Tundu Lissu, then the republic of Tanzania has the right to follow the proceedings live.
“Justice must be done and be seen to be done,” added Lissu, who is representing himself after dismissing his attorneys, said last week.
Lissu is the leader of Tanzania’s biggest opposition party and has been in detention since early April after he was charged with treason and publication of false information. He has rejected the charges.