Tanzanian youth jailed for burning President's portrait

By Our Correspondent, MBEYA Tanzania

The Rungwe district court in Mbeya region on, July 4, 2024 convicted one Shadrack Chaula aged 24 to serve two (2) years in prison or pay a fine of 5 million shillings for the crime of publishing false information online in accordance with section 16 of the online crime law 2015.

Jovial Shadrack Chaula (R) being guarded by armed policeman after being convicted of burning President's portrait

Chaula who is a painting artist, was earlier alleged by police of burning portrait of President Samia Hassan he drew, speaking "harsh words" about the hardships of life in Tanzania.

Reading the indictment, state prosecutor, Rosemary Mgeniji, before the chief resident judge of the district court of Rungwe, Ramla Shehagiro explained that the accused committed the crime on 22/6/2024 in Ntokela village in Rungwe district in Mbeya region.

It was stated in court by the prosecutor that the defendant while in his shop in Ntokela recorded a video message with the words "Because you have failed to defend your nation from being affected by homosexuality, this video is about you and no one else" while knowing that the information is false and misleading the society.

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When he was given the chance to defend himself in court, the accused Shadrack Chaula, a resident of Ntokela, said that he is ready to serve any punishment given to him by the court.

The republican side led by government lawyers Veronica Mtafya and Rosemary Mgeniji asked the court to give a severe punishment so that it will be a lesson to others as the act has been interpreted as an insult to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Giving judgment, the chief resident judge of Rungwe district court said that in accordance with the Internet offenses law of 2015, article 16, he has convicted him to go to prison to serve a two-year sentence or pay a fine of five million shillings.

However, Chaula was sent to prison to serve his sentence after failing to pay the fine.

In the meantime, the main opposition party (Chadema) and good-wishers are mobilizing finance contributions to either pay the fine or appeal for him as his cause was ‘meaningful’. Shadrack Chaula (24) is a painting artist. He has drawn portraits of many famous people, especially leaders. The portrait of President Samia was drawn by himself. Later he decided to burn it. While burning it, he allegedly spoke "harsh words" about the hardships of life.

“His complaint is the complaint of many. Life has become difficult; things have increased in price but income does not increase. Food, electricity, fuel, treatment prices are high. This is Chaula's basic argument, which everybody agrees with.” Chadema posted in its Instagram page.

The party said that the difference is that some citizens are afraid to speak, but he has spoken. Imprisoning him does not answer his arguments. Even the police officers who arrested him undoubtedly agree with him that life is difficult, even if they can't say it.