Social media users and other people have raised at least Sh5.6 million ($2,000 of £1,600) for an artist Shedrack Chaula, 24, who was sentenced to two years in jail or a fine of Sh5 million for insulting Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, according to The Citizen.

Shedrack Chaula was sentenced for spreading false information and insulting President Samia in a TikTok video posted on June 22, 2024, in violation of the Cybercrime Act.

The video, which showed him burning the President's picture and making derogatory remarks, went viral and was widely condemned by authorities, leading to his initial arrest.

On July 4, 2024, Shedrack Chaula was sentenced to a two-year prison term or a fine of Sh5 million for insulting the president in a TikTok video. Unable to pay the fine, he was subsequently imprisoned.

The prosecutor had sought a harsh penalty for the accused person to serve as a deterrent to others and prevent them from also “disrespecting” the president, citing Shedrack's use of "strong words" against the president in the video posted on June 30 in Ntokela village, Mbeya.

BBC reports that local police chief Benjamin Kuzaga last Tuesday told journalists that the artist's offences included burning the president's portrait and disseminating offensive content online.

Lawyers for Chaula - Peter Kibatala, Michael Mwangasa, and Michael Lugina - are preparing an appeal, while activist Godlistern Malisa has successfully coordinated a social media campaign to raise funds to cover the fine, collecting Sh5.6 million as at Friday.

Advocate Kibatala plans to file the appeal on Monday at the High Court of Tanzania, Mbeya registry, seeking to expunge Chaula's criminal records and overturn his conviction.

“After securing his release, we will proceed with an appeal to clear his criminal record. Shedrack is a young man with aspirations both locally and internationally, and preserving his future is paramount," he added.

Advocate Peter Kibatala stated that his legal team chose to represent Shedrack Chaula after learning about the charges brought against him, which included not only burning the President's picture but also a directive for his arrest issued by the Regional Police Commander, prompting their decision to take on the case.

“As an unemployed youth from a rural area, we felt compelled to provide him legal representation. However, when we were preparing to travel to the region, we were surprised to learn about his arraignment and sentencing on the same day," he noted.

"We shifted our strategy to focus on securing his freedom and correcting his criminal record through the legal system," Advocate Kibatala continued.

Regarding the fundraiser, he highlighted the influential stakeholders involved in mobilizing public support. "Several individuals expressed willingness to contribute to Shedrack's appeal, not just for the fine," he emphasized, noting the efforts made to organize and collect these contributions.

“Although I can’t provide the exact figure, I can confirm that we have raised the Sh5 million required for the fine,” he said. “By Sunday evening or early Monday morning, we will be in Rungwe to pay the fine and obtain the necessary court documents for Shedrack’s release.”