THE Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court has approved a request by CHADEMA National Chairman, Tundu Lissu, to represent himself in the treason case he is facing.

Lissu, who was initially represented by a team of over 30 lawyers, made the request today before Senior Resident Magistrate Franko Kiswaga after the defence team introduced themselves.

After the submission, Magistrate Kiswaga stated that the court agrees with the request and that Lissu will defend himself until he decides otherwise.

"From now on, the government’s case will be answered directly by the accused. The court has approved his request to represent himself until he says otherwise," Kiswaga said.

He also directed security officers not to prevent the accused from receiving documents from his lawyers during court proceedings.

Additionally, the magistrate ordered the prosecution to respond to Lissu’s claims, to which State Attorney Nassoro Katuga said they have no objection to the accused representing himself. On the issues raised about prison conditions, he said those should be addressed by the Prison Service.

Lissu is facing two charges at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court: treason and publishing false information.