By V. E. K. Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Court Decision Highlights Tension Between Artistic Expression and Political Sensitivity.
A young Tanzanian portrait artist, Shadrack Chaula, who was convicted of cybercrimes last week, has been released from prison after social media users raised more than $2,000 (£1,600) to pay his fine.
Chaula faced a court order to pay the fine or serve two years in prison after admitting to recording a viral video showing him burning a picture of President Samia Suluhu Hassan while insulting her.
"Thank you very much, fellow Tanzanians, for coming to my rescue," Chaula told journalists shortly after his release on Monday.
The case sparked widespread outrage in the country, with some lawyers arguing that the 24 year old painter did not break any law by burning the picture. Police stated they arrested him for using "strong words" against President Samia in the TikTok video recorded in Ntokela village near the southwestern city of Mbeya.
In court last Thursday, Chaula was charged with spreading false information about the president, violating the country's cybercrime laws. The court ruled that his actions constituted cyber harassment and incitement.
Chaula admitted to committing the crime. Critics argued that the sentence was too harsh, but the prosecution pushed for a more severe penalty, claiming it was necessary to deter others from "disrespecting" the president.
In 2018, Tanzania enacted stringent laws against the spread of "fake news," which critics viewed as a move to curb freedom of expression.
Users of X, formerly Twitter, raised $2,100 in six hours, according to activist Godlisten Malisa, who coordinated the fundraising. Chaula was given the remaining $100 to support his artwork, Malisa said.
In an Instagram post, Malisa added that the contributions were a "lesson" for the government. Despite the high cost of living burdening many Tanzanians, they came to Chaula's aid.
Lawyer Peter Kibatala said social media users did not only secure Chaula's release but also defended freedom of expression.
After taking office in 2021, President Samia introduced reforms to give political parties and civic groups more freedom. However, opposition and rights groups have expressed concern that the government may be reverting to more repressive practices.
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