By Reuters
A court in Tanzania on Monday banned the live coverage of treason proceedings against the East African nation’s main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, who criticised the decision.
Principal Resident Magistrate Franco Kiswaga said the ban would help protect civilian prosecution witnesses, acceding to a request by the state prosecutor who said it was necessary to conceal their identities.
“Live streaming, live broadcast, and any other kind of live distribution of content online to the public including on social media or video broadcast … are hereby prohibited,” Kiswaga ruled during preliminary proceedings on Monday at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam.
Lissu had already opposed the request saying that such an order would allow the court to operate in “darkness” and prevent his supporters from following the case. Officials from his CHADEMA party also criticised the court’s order.
“Justice must be done and be seen to
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
