- Shadrack Chaula was sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of $2,000 (£1,600)
- He was arrested for allegedly recording a viral video, showing him burning a picture of President Hassan
Tanzanian portrait artist Shadrack Chaula, who was accused of burning a photo of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of $2,000 (£1,600) after being found guilty of cybercrimes.
The 24-year-old painter was arrested for allegedly recording a viral video, showing him burning a picture of President Hassan while verbally insulting her.
Magistrate Shamla Shehagilo found Chaula guilty of distributing videos on TikTok that contained false information in violation of the country's cyber laws.
The court ruled that his actions constituted cyber-harassment and incitement and Chaula remained silent when given the chance to defend himself against the charges.
The prosecutor had urged the court to impose a harsh penalty on him to deter others from "disrespecting" the president.