A Tanzanian court has sentenced opposition leader Tundu Lissu to four years in prison, but the case took a striking turn. Lissu was cleared of the original treason charges brought against him, only to be convicted of incitement, a charge that had not been part of the case he was asked to answer.
Lissu wasted no time speaking out. He publicly condemned the conviction, calling attention to the fact that he was found guilty of something he was never formally charged with in the first place.
The sentencing of one of Tanzania's most prominent opposition voices raises serious questions about the direction of political freedom in the country. Observers and supporters will be watching closely to see what legal steps, if any, come next.
Originally published by AllAfrica.