Why Tundu Lisu Chose To Remain In Prison Despite Being Freed By TZ's Supreme Court: Video

‎Tanzania’s highest court has reportedly dropped treason charges against opposition leader Tundu Lissu, a development that effectively frees him from criminal sanction.

However, Tundu Lisu has chosen to continue his detention until the country’s general election on 29 October 2025, despite the dismissal of the case.

"From now, I choose to remain in prison until 29th October because of elections. Case closed," said Tundu Lisu.

‎Lissu, who leads the main opposition party Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), was arrested in April 2025 and charged with treason and related offences over remarks he made calling for electoral reforms.

The government’s move to bar his party from the upcoming election escalated tensions, and the trial had drawn global scrutiny.

While the formal case has been dropped, his voluntary decision to remain in custody suggests strategic motives he plans to be released in tandem with the election date, emphasizing the political dimension of his detention.

Observers view the episode as a signal of both potential liberalization and continued state leverage over opposition figures in Tanzanian politics.