The charges against Lissu include treason and publishing false information online, which authorities allege incited rebellion and accused the police of electoral misconduct.

During the court proceedings, Lissu's defense team, led by Senior Counsel Mpale Mpoki, objected to the remand request, arguing it infringes on his fundamental rights and questioned the prosecution's delay despite the availability of evidence.

The court granted the police and state prosecutors additional time to finalize their investigations, resulting in Lissu remaining in remand for another 14 days, with the next hearing scheduled for June 2, 2025.

Security was heightened in Dar es Salaam, with a significant police presence outside the court, reflecting the tense political climate surrounding Lissu's trial.

The trial has drawn attention to the government's heavy-handed tactics against opposition figures, highlighted by the deportation of prominent Kenyan lawyers, including former Justice Minister Martha Karua, who attempted to assist Lissu's defense.

These high-profile arrests and deportations have raised concerns regarding President Samia Suluhu Hassan's human rights record, especially as she seeks re-election in October 2025.

Amnesty International condemned the arbitrary arrests of opposition figures and the crackdown on dissent, noting recent violence against Chadema candidates.

Lissu's party, Chadema, has been vocal in demanding electoral reforms, criticizing the ruling party, CCM, for its long-standing dominance and alleged electoral manipulation.

Lissu, a trained lawyer and former president of the Tanzanian Bar Association, has a history of political persecution, having survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and spent time in exile due to threats to his life.

Tundu Lissu, Tanzania's main opposition leader and chair of the Chadema party, appeared in Kisutu magistrate's court in Dar es Salaam on May 19, 2025, facing serious treason charges after advocating for electoral reforms ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Despite the challenges, Lissu expressed defiance during his court appearance, assuring supporters that they would be fine and calling for electoral reforms as they rallied outside the court.

The ongoing trial and Lissu's charges are part of a broader pattern of political repression in Tanzania, raising alarms about the state of democracy and human rights in the region.