By Shadrack Chaula, a 24-year-old Tanzanian portrait artist, has been sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of $2,000 (£1,600) after being found guilty of cybercrimes for burning a picture of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The incident, which occurred in Ntokela village in the southwestern city of Mbeya, has sparked a heated debate on freedom of expression in Tanzania.
Chaula was arrested for allegedly recording and posting a viral video on TikTok showing him burning the president’s picture while verbally insulting her. Local police chief Benjamin Kuzaga stated that the artist’s offenses included burning the president’s portrait and disseminating offensive content online.
The case has drawn attention to Tanzania’s cyber laws, enacted in 2018 to combat the spread of “fake news.” Critics argue these laws are being used to curb freedom of expression. Some lawyers have questioned the legality of the arrest, claiming there is no specific law criminalizing the burning of a president’s picture.
Magistrate Shamla Shehagilo found Chaula guilty of distributing false information on TikTok, ruling that his actions constituted cyber-harassment and incitement. The prosecutor urged for a harsh penalty to deter others from “disrespecting” the president.
The sentencing has ignited a public debate, with some viewing it as a reflection of the government’s crackdown on dissent. While President Hassan, who came to power in 2021, has introduced reforms opening up political and civic spaces, opposition and rights groups express concerns about potential backsliding into retrogressive policies.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between government control and freedom of expression in Tanzania. It also underscores the challenges faced by artists and activists in navigating the country’s cyber laws and political landscape.
As the controversy unfolds, some social media users have initiated an online campaign to raise funds for Chaula’s fine, aiming to secure his release from jail. The incident continues to fuel discussions about the balance between national respect and individual freedom of expression in Tanzania.
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