Tundu Lissu starts hunger strike at Tanzania's Ukonga prison

Tundu Lissu, the leader of Tanzania’s opposition Chadema party, has commenced a hunger strike to protest the restriction of his access to legal representation. The strike began on Monday after his legal team was denied entry to Ukonga prison, the facility where he is currently being detained. This decision to refuse food serves as a direct response to the prison authorities’ actions, which have prevented the opposition leader from consulting with his lawyers. According to reports, the legal team arrived at Ukonga prison but was not allowed to see their client, prompting Lissu to start his protest. By refusing food, the Chadema leader is drawing attention to the denial of his right to legal counsel while in state custody. The hunger strike, which is now in progress, is specifically aimed at addressing the barrier between Lissu and his legal representatives. As the leader of a major opposition party, Lissu’s decision to undertake such a protest while in prison is a significant development in his ongoing detention. His legal team has confirmed that the refusal of food is a direct consequence of the restricted access they encountered at the prison gates. At this time, Tundu Lissu remains in Ukonga prison, where he continues his hunger strike in the hope of securing his right to meet with his legal team. No official response has been reported from the prison administration regarding the denial of entry or the current status of the opposition leader’s health and protest.