A Tanzanian court sentenced opposition leader Tundu Lissu to four years in prison for incitement after acquitting him of treason, Africanews reported on November 6, citing the Associated Press.

Lissu, who leads the opposition party Chadema, had been held for 19 months after his arrest ahead of the 2025 presidential election. The court said his statements were intended to disrupt the election and instigate violence, according to the report.

Lissu called the proceedings political persecution and argued in court that incitement was not among the charges he faced. The case drew criticism from British and European lawmakers, while the U.S. ambassador said he was following its implications for the rule of law.

The conviction and sentencing are court actions; allegations of political direction and election-related violence remain attributed to Lissu, opposition groups, rights groups or other sources as described by AP and Africanews.