France, April 22 -- Tension is rising further on the political scene in Tanzania ahead of the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Accused of treason, his Chadema political party was this month excluded from the presidential race scheduled for October, sparking concern among human rights groups.

Opposition leader Tundu Lissu was arrested alongside some members of his party shortly after a rally on 9 April, and is now due to appear before the Kisitu court in Dar es Salaam on 24 April.

Accused of "publishing false information" and of "treason," he could face the death penalty.

The arrest and party's ban represent a severe blow for the opposition in Tanzania, who do not intend to give up the election race, according to RFI's correspond...