The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The treason case facing Chadema Chairman, Tundu Lissu, has been prevented from being broadcast live or from publishing evidence after the Court issued a special order to protect confidential civil witnesses.
Reading the decision today, Kisutu Magistrate Franko Kiswaga said the stay was issued in accordance with the High Court’s instructions. He explained that the proceedings of the case will be read out in court in public, but the identities of the secret witnesses will be kept secret.
Judge Kiswaga also directed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to redact the information on the presentation of the case to ensure that names and details that could identify the witness are not mentioned. He added that anyone including the media who wants to publish information about the witnesses will have to obtain special permission, otherwise strict legal action will be taken against those who violate it.
At today’s stage, Lissu will be read information on the progress of the referral of the case to the High Court, without being required to respond to anything at this time.
However, outside the proceedings, Chadema leaders have complained about the court’s security arrangements, claiming that there were a large number of people in plain clothes inside the courtroom who they believe are police officers.
Lissu faces treason charges which, if convicted, carry the death penalty. He has been in custody for over three months awaiting the High Court’s decision.
By: BBC
