Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania
TA-10-2025-0095 · P10_TA(2025)0095 · PE772.567
- Adopted in plenary on · Adopted 0–0–0 · See the decision →
- Full procedure 2025/2690
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The European Parliament resolution condemns the arrest of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, Tanzania's main opposition party, and calls for his immediate release, expressing concern over politically motivated charges carrying the risk of capital punishment.¶ It urges Tanzania to end the crackdown on opposition and civil society, reinstate Chadema's participation in elections, and engage in electoral reform dialogue.¶¶ It calls on the EU and member states to monitor the trial and consider measures if human rights deteriorate, and to ensure development cooperation aligns with human rights standards.¶¶
Key points
- Condemns the arrest of Tundu Lissu and calls for his immediate and unconditional release, ensuring his safety, fair trial, and legal representation.¶
- Urges Tanzania to end arbitrary arrests, violence, and harassment against opposition, human rights defenders, indigenous peoples, LGBTIQ+ activists, journalists, and civil society.¶
- Calls for independent investigation of police abuses and enforced disappearances, and for upholding rule of law, freedom of expression, press, media, association, and judicial independence.
- Demands that Tanzania bring cybercrime and media laws in line with international human rights law and respect political party rights.
- Calls on Tanzania to reinstate Chadema's full participation in the October 2025 elections and engage in transparent, inclusive dialogue on electoral reform with civil society.¶
- Urges the EU and member states to critically engage with Tanzania on Lissu's case, monitor the trial, and consider measures if human rights deteriorate.¶
- Urges Tanzania to abolish the death penalty and commute all death sentences.
- Reiterates that EU development cooperation, including the Global Gateway initiative, must be consistent with human rights, freedom of expression, and fair trial standards.¶