A Tanzanian portrait artist, Shadrack Chaula, has been sentenced to either two years in prison or a fine of $2,000 (£1,600) after being convicted of cybercrimes for burning a photograph of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The 24-year-old artist was detained following the creation and distribution of a viral video in which he set fire to the president's photo while verbally attacking her.
According to Arise TV report, Chaula who admitted to the offense, chose not to defend his actions in court, leading to his swift sentencing.
The incident has ignited a debate within Tanzania’s legal and public spheres about the boundaries of free expression and the application of cybercrime laws.
In the video posted on TikTok on June 30, Chaula used what police described as “strong language” against President Hassan. Local police chief Benjamin Kuzaga informed the media that the video, filmed in Ntokela village near Mbeya, included both the act of burning the president’s portrait and the use of offensive content online. “It is not the tradition of Mbeya residents to insult our national leaders,” Kuzaga stated.
Despite some lawyers arguing that no specific law prohibits burning a photograph of the president, the court found Chaula guilty of cyber-harassment and incitement. Lawyer Philip Mwakilima, speaking to the Mwananchi newspaper, questioned the legal grounds of the conviction, asking:
“Was the photograph taken by a government photographer? They should publicly explain its societal and national impact. Who can show the law that makes burning a picture an offense?”
Magistrate Shamla Shehagilo, delivering the verdict on Thursday, emphasized that Chaula’s actions violated Tanzania’s stringent cyber laws, which were enacted in 2018. These laws, aimed at curbing “fake news,” have been criticized for potentially suppressing freedom of speech.
During the court proceedings, the prosecutor called for a severe punishment to serve as a deterrent against disrespecting the president. Chaula, when given the chance to defend himself, remained silent.
The case has provoked significant public reaction, with some social media users initiating a campaign to raise funds to pay Chaula’s fine and prevent his imprisonment.
This effort reflects broader concerns among citizens and human rights advocates about the severity of the punishment and the implications for free expression in Tanzania.
Since assuming office in 2021, President Hassan has enacted several reforms aimed at increasing political and civic freedoms. However, the harsh sentence against Chaula has led critics to argue that the government might be slipping back into repressive policies.
Opposition parties and human rights organizations have expressed alarm, fearing that such actions could undermine the progress made in expanding democratic freedoms in the country.