Defiant Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu appears in court

Tundu Lissu, Tanzania's main opposition leader, appeared in court today. This is his first appearance since his arrest last month on treason charges. He urged his supporters not to fear.

Lissu raised his fist in defiance and said, "You will be fine." Tension was high in Dar es Salaam, the country's largest city. Security officers were heavily deployed at the trial magistrate's court and nearby areas.

Despite this, many supporters gathered outside the court. The court had tried to hold hearings virtually before. Lissu and his legal team opposed this for transparency and due process.

He was arrested on April 9 after calling for "no reforms, no election." He told supporters that elections should not happen without electoral reforms.

Lissu faces charges of treason and publishing false information online. These charges allegedly incited rebellion and accused police of misconduct during elections. He denies all charges.

If convicted, he could face the death penalty.