Tanzania opposition hails Tundu Lissu's acquittal on treason charge

Tanzania's main opposition Tshadima party celebrated a victorious day on Friday, after a court found their leader Tundu Lisu not guilty of treason. Instead, Lisu was sentenced to four years in jail for inciting unrest, a charge that was not in the case. If upheld, this sentence could bar Tundu Lisu from running in Tanzania's next election in 2013. We consider today as a victorious day for our party. From a case in which our leader has falsely been accused of treason to another false case of incitement, this is a victorious day for our fellow Tanzanians. Representatives for the Chadema party said they would appeal the sentence and seek bail in the meantime. I don't know what company he was in. We are going to apply for bail as we await for an appeal, since he has been convicted for a crime which is bailable even after conviction. Tundu Lisu was arrested ahead of last year's presidential election on treason charges which carry a potential death penalty. He has spent 19 months in jail in a case that has thrown international condemnation. Lisu and his party have said the trial was political persecution. Tanzania has seen its democratic reputation plummet as the government has cracked down brutally on the opposition and demonstrations. Authorities' repression of protests during last year's election killed thousands of people, according to the opposition and right-wing groups. Thank you. Thank you.