Image: COURTESY
A Tanzanian man has been sentenced to two years in jail or a Tsh5 million fine for burning and destroying President Samia Suluhu’s photo.
24-year-old Shedrack Yusuph Chaula from Rungwe in Mbeya was found guilty of spreading fake news on social media contrary to their cyber-crime laws of 2015 (Cybercrime Act of 2015).
He was also found on the wrong for burning President Samia’s photo in a viral video that was termed disrespectful to the Head of State.
“Mahakama ya wilaya ya Rungwe leo julai 4. 2024 imemtia hatiani Bw. Shedrack Yusuph Chaula mwenye umri wa miaka 24 kutumikia kifungo cha miaka miwili (2) gerezani au kulipa faini ya shilingi millioni 5 kwa kosa la kuchapisha taarifa za uongo mtandaoni kwa mujibu wa kifungu cha 16 cha sheria ya makosa ya mtandaoni 2015,” read a report by Wasafi FM.
The accused recorded himself on June 22, 2024, accusing President Samia of being unable to protest her Country (Tanzania) against homosexuality.
“Kwakua umeshindwa kutetea taifa lako lisiathirike na ushoga hii video inakuhusu wewe na si mtu mwingine,” the man says in the video.
“Because you have been unable to protect this country against Homosexuality, this video is for you and not any other person,”.
Image: WASAFI FM
This particular statement landed the man in trouble as he was accused of spreading lies and misleading other Tanzanians.
Given a chance to defend himself in Court, Shadrack said that he is ready to serve any sentence that will be given to him.
The prosecution side appealed to the court to punish the man harshly so that he could serve as an example to all those who want to disrespect the President.
The accused to taken to jail to serve a 2-year jail term after being unable to raise a fine of Tsh5 million.
