A Tanzanian portrait artist, Shadrack Chaula, has been accused of burning a photo of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. This crime has led to her being sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of $2,000 (£1,600) after being found guilty of committing cybercrimes.
The artist was arrested for reportedly recording a viral video, of him burning a picture of the President while verbally abusing her.
The 24-year-old painter had admitted to committing the crime but he failed to defend his action in court.
On Thursday, June 4, magistrate Shamla Shehagilo found Chaula guilty of sharing videos on TikTok that contained false information in violation of the country’s cyber laws.
The court ruled that his actions established cyber-harassment and incitement.
In 2018, Tanzania authorised strict laws against the spread of “fake news”, which critics have said was the government’s way of restraining their freedom of expression.
Why It Matters
Chaula’s arrest has sparked legal controversy, with several lawyers claiming that no law was broken in the act of burning the effigy.
On social media, some sympathisers have started an online drive to raise money to pay Chaula’s fine so he can be released from jail.
What They’re Saying
Police officials have said that Chaula used “strong words” against the president in the video he posted on his TikTok account on 30 June.
A local police chief, Benjamin Kuzaga had told journalists on Tuesday that the artist’s offences included burning the president’s portrait and sharing offensive content online.
“It is not the culture of Mbeya people to insult our national leaders,” Kuzaga had said.
Meanwhile, some lawyers are of the opinion that there was no law criminalising the burning a picture of the president.
“Was the picture taken by a government photographer? Let them come out publicly and explain their impact on society and the nation. Who can show the law that burning a picture is an offences?” a lawyer, Philip Mwakilima had queried.
Note that President Hassan, who came to power in 2021, has introduced reforms that have opened up the political and civic spaces.
But the opposition and rights groups have expressed concerns that the country is sliding back to retrogressive policies.
