David Maraga has called for Tundu Lissu’s unconditional acquittal.
The former Chief Justice says governments are using criminal charges to silence opponents and urges Tanzania to pursue constitutional reforms.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has demanded unconditional acquittal in the Lissu treason case in Tanzania. He accused East African governments of using treason and terrorism charges to silence political opponents.
In a statement issued Friday, Maraga argued that Tundu Lissu’s prosecution had no credible legal basis. Calls for constitutional change, peaceful assembly and election boycotts could not amount to treason, he said.
His remarks came as Tanzania’s High Court delivered judgment in the opposition leader’s case. Maraga, a United Green Movement co-leader and 2027 presidential candidate, described the prosecution as part of wider regional political persecution.
Maraga challenges grounds for Lissu treason case
Maraga said prosecutors had failed to establish the elements needed to sustain a treason charge. In particular, he argued, they had not demonstrated specific intent to overthrow the government through unlawful, violent means.
He also accused Tanzania’s governing Chama Cha Mapinduzi of abandoning the democratic ideals associated with Julius Nyerere. The regional community Nyerere envisioned, he said, rested on credible elections, democratic governance and fundamental freedoms.
Beyond Tanzania, Maraga accused Kenya of serving as a base for operations against dissidents from neighbouring countries. He cited Tanzanian activists’ disappearances in Kenya and the cross-border seizure of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye.
He further accused President William Ruto’s administration of permitting foreign intelligence operations within Kenya. Such actions, he argued, weakened national sovereignty, regional cooperation and human rights protections.
Maraga also rejected financial compensation as an answer to alleged state killings, abductions and torture. Governments could not compensate their way out of responsibility for violence against citizens, he argued.
Push for constitutional reforms in Tanzania
Meanwhile, Maraga renewed his appeal for comprehensive constitutional reforms in Tanzania. He cited the 2012–2014 review commission under Joseph Warioba and the 2023 criminal justice commission under Mohamed Chande Othman.
Those initiatives, he argued, showed longstanding demand for changes to governance and justice institutions. He also referenced the Chande-led inquiry into violence surrounding Tanzania’s October 2025 General Election.
The inquiry reported at least 518 deaths from unnatural causes, including 197 people shot dead. It also recorded more than 2,300 injured people and 758 missing persons.
Maraga therefore urged President Samia Suluhu Hassan to engage opposition leaders in dialogue towards a people-driven constitution. Drawing on Kenya’s reform experience, he warned that further delays could deepen political tensions.
He also cautioned international partners against supplying surveillance systems and security assistance allegedly used against political opponents. Maraga reaffirmed his support for Lissu, his family and Tanzania’s opposition, regardless of the court’s decision.
