// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
Tanzanian opposition leader found guilty of incitement
Tundu Lissu has consistently denied the charge of treason, calling it politically motivated
Tanzania's main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, has been found guilty of incitement in a case that has raised concerns about political freedoms in the East African country.
The 58-year-old, who has been detained since April last year, was convicted over remarks he made while campaigning for electoral reforms ahead of the disputed 2025 general election.
A panel of three judges at the High Court in Dar es Salaam acquitted him of the more serious charge of treason.
Lissu, who leads the opposition Chadema party, has consistently denied the charges, describing the prosecution as politically motivated.
Treason is among Tanzania's most serious offences and can carry the death penalty.
He has leave to appeal at the Court of Appeal - the country's highest court.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the October 2025 election with 98% of the vote - a result the opposition dismissed the result as a "mockery" of democracy as her two main challengers, including Lissu, were excluded.
Her government has repeatedly denied targeting its opponents.
Tundu Lissu - the great survivor of Tanzanian politics