Tanzanian Lawyer Arrested, Released on Bail

Tanzanian lawyer Tundu Lissu was arrested last week and spent one week behind bars before being released today on bail. Lissu was an ELAW Partner before joining the Tanzanian Parliament in 2010. Lissu is the President of the Tanganyika Law Society, the country’s bar association.
 
The Citizen reports:
 
“Mr Lissu was arrested exactly a week ago today July 20, at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) en route to Kigali to attend East Africa Lawyers Society (EALS) Leadership Council meeting.
 
He has been charged with sedition after addressing a press conference on July 17, in which, among other things, he appealed to the international community to cut financial support to President Magufuli’s administration as efforts to press the government to respect principles of democracy, the rule of law and human rights.”
 
ELAW is concerned about Lissu and working to learn more about the situation.
 
We will keep you informed.
 
Bern Johnson
Executive Director
 
For more information, see:
 
Lissu Finally Out On Bail After Spending a Week Behind Bars
 

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