CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu, his supporters were brutally beaten by Tanzania police while they attended his case hearing. Photo: AFP.
A disturbing video showing Tanzania police officers brutally beating supporters of opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), Tundu Lissu, while they attended his court hearing session on June, Monday 2, circulated online.
The viral video shows police flogging the supporters without caution, report indicating that members from Lissu’s family were also caught in the situation.
Netizens have been agitated following the viral video, question the respect of human rights by Samia Suluhu’s administration, that has been on the wrong side of upholding human rights, both in Tanzania and outside.
Some netizens reactions were:
“Bad manners imported, can you can see the brutality the cop is using his two hands to clobber the supporters,” @CMunyori.
“Tanzanians are a bunch of selfish, satisfied, scared people. An opposition leader is being arraigned in court because of speaking against the vices and oppression, however just a handful of people show up to the court hearing. Tanzania will forever be oppressed,” @adonitologist.
Uganda must be heaven. Dictators,” @ItsKiprono.
“And there is nothing Kenyans can do!” @GideonK
“East Africa is suffering from the same disease. The 1986 strain that started in Uganda,” @Sempira4freedom.
“There is a wave of dictatorship in East Africa….. I miss Kibaki,”@NurseK.
Lissu, is currently facing treason charges, following his refusal to sign the election law, stating that reforms must be made before Tanzania goes into election.
On June, Monday 2, police in Dar Salaam surrounded the Ufufuo Wa Uzima church under the leadership of Bishop Josephat Gwajima, who is a critic of Suluhu’s government.
His recent remarks on increased cases of forced disappearances and abductions of the opposition, he claimed are being enforced by Mama Suluhu’s administration, attributed to the beginning of his troubles with the administration.
In a circulating letter dated 2nd June 2025 from the Registrar of Civil Societies in Tanzania, Gwajima was directed to immediately cease all church operations, accusing him of delivering messages that could “endanger peace and national stability.”
