Amsterdam & Partners LLP Files United Nations Petition on Behalf of Tanzanian Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu

Washington, D.C., May 30, 2025 – Amsterdam & Partners LLP, international counsel to Tanzanian opposition leader Tindu Lissu, has submitted a formal submission to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD), calling for an urgent investigation into his ongoing detention by Tanzanian authorities.

Mr. Lissu, a prominent lawyer, longtime advocate for democratic reform and Chairman of CHADEMA, the country’s largest opposition party, was arrested on 9 April 2025 following a peaceful rally held in the town of Mbinga in southwestern Tanzania, as part of the "No Reforms, No Election" campaign. He has since been charged with treason — a charge which under Tanzanian law carries the death penalty.

"This is not just an attack on one man, but on the democratic aspirations of an entire nation," said Robert Amsterdam, Founder and Managing Partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP. "We have made this submission to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention because there is little chance for a fair or independent legal outcome for my client in Tanzania. My client's detention violates Tanzania’s obligations under international human rights law, and we are calling for the world to act", he added. 

The petition details a range of serious procedural violations and human rights abuses. It highlights the arbitrary nature of Mr. Lissu's arrest, prompt formal charges and the restrictions placed on his access to legal counsel and family members. It also raises grave concerns over the misuse of sedition and treason laws to target peaceful political speech, and underscores the Tanzanian government’s failure to uphold the minimum standards of due process required under its international treaty obligations.

In addition to requesting that the Working Group declare Mr. Lissu's detention arbitrary and in violation of international law, the petition urges the UN body to call for his immediate release and recommend remedies, including compensation and guarantees of non-repetition.

Mr. Lissu's arrest and continued detention have drawn widespread condemnation from international human rights organisations, civil society groups and foreign governments, with which Amsterdam & Partners LLP will continue to engage. The United States, European Union and multiple regional leaders have issued statements of concern.

"Tundu Lissu stood up for electoral reform, transparency and the rule of law. For that, he is being punished," said Amsterdam. "We will not stop until justice is done."

Amsterdam & Partners LLP is an international law firm based in Washington, D.C. and London, with a focus on political cases. For media inquiries, please write to contact@amsterdamandpartners.com.