A 24-year-old Tanzanian artist, Shadrack Chaula, has been sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of $2,000 (£1,600) for burning a photograph of President Samia Hassan. 

Chaula was convicted on Thursday before the Chief Resident Magistrate of the Rungwe District Court, Shamla Shehagiro, according to a Tanzanian local newspaper, The Citizen.

He was sent to prison following his inability to get a legal representative or pay the fine.

However, a group of lawyers, Peter Kibatala, Michael Mwangasa, and Michael Lugina, have volunteered to help him.

Kibatala stated on behalf of the legal team that, “Upon securing his release, we intend to appeal to expunge his criminal record. Shadrack is a young man with aspirations both locally and internationally, and safeguarding his future is crucial.”

Following Chaula’s imprisonment, Hassan’s government has been faced with criticism.

A fundraising initiative has been launched to gather funds for his fine and to support his legal defence.

In 2018, Tanzania implemented legislation aimed at combating “fake news,” which has faced opposition criticism for its perceived use as a tool to suppress free expression.