Tanzanian opposition chief Tundu Lissu launches hunger strike over denied legal visits

Tundu Lissu, the leader of Tanzania’s CHADEMA opposition and second-place finisher in the 2020 presidential race, began a hunger strike on Monday to highlight his inability to meet with his lawyers. Prison officials denied his legal counsel entry, prompting the protest, which w. Lissu faces a treason charge tied to a speech that prosecutors say called for public rebellion during the previous general election, a charge he denies and his lawyer calls politically motivated.

The electoral commission had previously barred CHADEMA from the polls for not signing a code of conduct, and the election was followed by violence that killed at least 518 people. CHADEMA’s chief legal counsel Rugemeleza Nshala said the strike also stems from violations of a court order guaranteeing private lawyer meetings. A judgment on Lissu’s case is expected on November 6, while the government has defended its human-rights record despite criticism linked to his detention.