Tanzania Court of Appeal Dismisses Republic's Bid for New Evidence in Lissu Treason Case

The Court of Appeal has rejected the Republic's bid to introduce new evidence in the treason case against opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The court sided with Lissu, ruling that the Republic's application was filed incorrectly and lacked merit.

In its decision on July 30, 2026, a three-judge panel led by Justice Augustine Mwarija stated that the Republic's attempt to submit additional evidence under Section 308 of the Criminal Procedure Code was misplaced. This section, the court clarified, applies to witnesses not on the original list or whose testimony was not presented during committal proceedings, not to new evidence from witnesses whose testimony was already heard.

The court upheld the High Court's earlier decision to dismiss the Republic's request. Lissu had argued that the application was filed out of procedure, and the Court of Appeal agreed to hear this objection alongside the main case. Ultimately, the court found the Republic's notice to be flawed, validating the High Court's initial rejection.

However, Lissu's separate request for compensation from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for alleged trial delays was denied. The Court of Appeal stated it lacked the authority to grant such compensation, as it is not the trial court and such orders are typically made only after an accused person is acquitted.