- Tanzanian artist Shadrack Chaula was sentenced to two years in prison for insulting President Samia Suluhu Hassan and burning her portrait
- Chaula admitted guilt for his actions, which included sharing videos on TikTok containing false information, deemed cyber-harassment and incitement
- Following his sentencing, supporters raised funds to pay a fine of KSh 254,640, enabling his lawyers to secure his release and appeal the sentence
- Chaula's legal team said they would appeal to clear his criminal record and protect his future aspirations in the art community, both locally and internationally
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
A Tanzanian portrait artist has been sentenced to two years in prison for abusing President Samia Suluhu Hassan and setting her portrait on fire.
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Shadrack Chaula was arrested the video capturing him verbally attacking the head of state went viral on Sunday, June 30.
Mbeya Regional Police Commander Benjamin Kuzaga emphasised that Chaula's actions were unethical and contrary to Tanzanian laws and cultural norms.
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What was Chaula's sentence
Appearing before Chief Resident Magistrate Shamla Shehagiro, the 24-year-old painter admitted to committing the crime but did not defend his actions in court.
The Citizen reported that Shehagiro 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, sentencing him to two years in prison or a fine of KSh 254,640.
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.
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How can Chaula secure his freedom
Hours after his sentence, Tanzanians on social media raised KSh 269,016, with his lawyers vowing to appeal the sentence after paying the fine.
One of his lawyers, Peter Kibatala, said his team would be in court very early on Monday, July 8, to begin the release process.
"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 stated.
Nuru Okanga in court for abusing Ruto
Back home, vocal political activist Nuru Okanga was arrested for allegedly addressing President William Ruto in abusive and demeaning language.
His lawyer, Emmanuel Kibet, claimed that Okanga was still a student awaiting to join Form One and prayed for his release on lenient bail terms.
The ODM leader Raila Odinga, a diehard supporter, pleaded not guilty to the accusations before Magistrate Lucas Onyina, securing his release on KSh 10,000 cash bail.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke