A Tanzanian portrait artist, Shadrack Chaula, has been sentenced to two years in prison or a $2,000 (£1,600) fine after being found guilty of cybercrimes for burning a photo of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The controversy began when Chaula, 24, posted a viral video on TikTok showing him burning the president’s portrait while verbally insulting her.
Chaula admitted to the crime during the trial and did not mount a defense. His arrest and subsequent sentencing have ignited legal debates, with some lawyers arguing that no specific law criminalizes burning a picture of the president in Tanzania.
Critics have pointed out that Tanzania’s laws against spreading “fake news” have been used to suppress freedom of expression. Police in Mbeya, where Chaula was arrested, cited his use of strong language against the president and dissemination of offensive content as reasons for his charges.
Magistrate Shamla Shehagilo, presiding over the case, found Chaula guilty of cyber-harassment and incitement under the country’s cyber laws, despite the absence of a direct law against burning presidential portraits. Chaula remained silent during his opportunity to defend himself in court.
The prosecution argued for a severe penalty to deter others from disrespecting national leaders. However, the sentence has sparked national debate, with critics viewing it as overly harsh and indicative of a crackdown on dissent under President Hassan’s administration, despite her initial reforms to open up political and civic spaces.
While President Hassan has introduced reforms since taking office in 2021, concerns persist among opposition groups and rights advocates about a potential regression towards restrictive policies in Tanzania.
