Martha Karua of Kenya, who served as justice minister from 2005 to 2009, was held at Dar es Salaam airport in Tanzania and put back on a return flight to Nairobi, together with her entourage.

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Other prominent rights activists, including the former Kenyan chief justice Willy Mutunga, who had also wanted to witness Tundu Lissu's trial, were also prevented from attending the treason trial of Tanzania's main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu.The leader of Tanzania's main opposition Chadema party, Tundu Lissu, was charged with treason in April this year.

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Tundu Lissu reportedly incited Tanzanians to rebel and disrupt the country's upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.

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He appeared in court today, Monday, May 19. If found guilty, he could be sentenced.

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Tundu Lissu has been prohibited from contesting in Tanzania's presidential election in October after refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct.

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Human rights activists, on the other hand, have criticized Tanzania's ruling government for exerting oppressive methods against opposition leaders.

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Meanwhile, Tundu Lissu has pledged to defend himself in an open court and not virtually.He turned down a virtual hearing session that was conducted by the authorities.

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Lissu's legal team leader, Rugemeleza Nshala, noted, "It is the right of our client to be brought to court," adding that the rules of criminal cases are that whenever you are summoned, you must physically appear in court.

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''In a criminal case, you cannot be tried at your home or elsewhere. Our client, since he knows the law, has refused to participate online."

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