Tanzania's main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has called on its leaders, members and supporters to turn up at the High Court in Dar es Salaam on Friday, November 6, as it prepares to deliver judgment in the treason case facing its national chairman, Tundu Antipas Lissu.
In a public statement issued on Thursday, November 5, the party announced that the judgment would be delivered at the High Court of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Small Registry.
The case will be heard before a three-judge panel comprising Justices Dunstan Ndunguru, James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde. The date for the ruling had earlier been set after the prosecution and defence presented their final submissions at the conclusion of the trial.
CHADEMA said the case was of great importance to the country, particularly on matters concerning human rights, the rule of law and democracy.
The party is therefore urging its national and regional leaders, members, supporters and other Tanzanians to attend the court proceedings in large numbers to witness the delivery of the judgment.
It also extended the call to civil society organisations, human rights defenders and individuals involved in promoting democracy, asking them to join the gathering at the court.
Lissu faces a treason charge arising from statements he made during calls for electoral reforms ahead of Tanzania's October 2025 General Election. Prosecutors allege that his statements and online publications were intended to encourage the public to prevent the election from taking place.
Lissu has denied the allegations and argued during the trial that the prosecution failed to establish the charge against him. The prosecution, however, maintained that evidence presented by its witnesses was sufficient to secure a conviction.
The case has attracted attention because of Lissu's position as leader of one of Tanzania's major opposition parties and the seriousness of the charge, which carries a possible death sentence if he is convicted.
In its statement, CHADEMA described the judgment as an important moment for the country's democratic and legal institutions, urging citizens to follow the proceedings.
The announcement was signed by Brenda Rupia, the party's Director of Communication and Publicity, and issued from CHADEMA headquarters in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam.
The party has encouraged those planning to attend to assemble at the court as the three judges deliver their decision.
