Amsterdam & Partners LLP Welcomes the Resolution by the European Parliament on the Persecution of Tindu Lissu

The following press release was distributed to media today:

STRASBOURG, FRANCE – May 8, 2025 – Amsterdam & Partners LLP welcomes today’s resolution by the European Parliament condemning the politically motivated arrest and continued detention of Tundu Lissu, Chair of CHADEMA, Tanzania’s main opposition party. The resolution underscores growing international alarm over the grave deterioration of democratic rights and rule of law in Tanzania.

The European Parliament’s resolution expresses “grave concern over the charges against him, which appear to be politically motivated and carry the risk of capital punishment.” It further calls on the Tanzanian Government to “immediately and unconditionally release him, ensuring his safety and his right to a fair trial and legal representation.”

“We welcome this strong and principled stand taken by the European Parliament,” said Robert Amsterdam, Founder and Managing Partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP. “The call to reinstate CHADEMA’s participation in the elections and end the systemic persecution of civil society, journalists and opposition leaders could not be timelier.”

Among the resolution’s most stark observations are:

• The politically motivated nature of the treason charge brought against Mr. Lissu on April 10, 2025;

• The risk of execution attached to this charge in a system lacking transparency;

• The disqualification of CHADEMA from the October 2025 elections under deeply

  dubious pretexts;

• Widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances,

  restrictions on media and digital freedoms, and the targeted killing of government

  critics;

• The EU’s call for its development cooperation with Tanzanian government to be

  conditioned on tangible improvements in human rights.

The resolution also urges the European Union and its Member States to “critically engage” with Tanzanian authorities, monitor Mr. Lissu’s trial closely, and “consider appropriate measures if the human rights situation continues to deteriorate.”

“This resolution is a milestone in the fight for accountability in Tanzania,” added Amsterdam. “We will continue to work alongside our colleagues in Tanzania and the international community to defend Mr. Lissu and restore democratic norms.”

Amsterdam & Partners LLP is an international law firm based in London and Washington, D.C.