Tanzanian youth arrested for insulting and burning President's portrait

MBEYA, Tanzania

A 24-year-old Tanzanian youth, Shadrack Chaula, has been arrested after recording a video in which he verbally attacked President Samia Hassan and subsequently burning an image depicting her.

Mbeya Regional Police Commander, Benjamin Kuzaga, said on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 that the incident took place on June 30 at Ntokela Village, Rungwe District.

Chaula, a skilled artist and resident of Ntokela Village, was alleged for burning the image of the President, an act deemed unethical in Tanzania.

"The suspect is an artist who committed the offense of burning a picture depicting President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Such actions are contrary to the laws and cultural norms of our country," stated Kuzaga. The police did not, however, state which laws were broken.

Commenting on the matter a lawyer based in Dar es Salaam, said that the act of burning a president's image does not contravene any laws, however, if the act was shared on social media or made public, the accused can be charged with other offences such as inciting hate.

Currently, the police is interrogating Chaula to ascertain the motives behind his actions, while investigative procedures are ongoing to gather further evidence.