- Shadrack Chaula, a Tanzanian artist, was released from prison after social media users raised funds to pay his cybercrime fine
- Chaula was convicted for burning a picture of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and insulting her in a viral video.
- Hours after his arrest, social media users argued that the artist hadn’t committed any offense by burning the photo, therefore donating the stipulated KSh 258K fine
Tanzanian portrait artist Shadrack Chaula has been released from prison after social media users raised over $2,000 (KSh 258k) to pay his fine for cybercrimes.
Chaula was convicted for burning a picture of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and insulting her in a viral video.
His release follows a week of intense public debate and fundraising efforts.
Social Media Rally for Chaula’s Freedom
Chaula’s arrest and subsequent conviction sparked a wave of sympathy and outrage across Tanzania.
The 24-year-old artist was charged with cyber-harassment and incitement after admitting to posting the controversial video on TikTok.
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The court ordered him to pay a hefty fine or face two years in prison.
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Critics argued that the punishment was excessively harsh, citing Tanzania’s 2018 cybercrime laws aimed at curbing “fake news.”
Activist Godlisten Malisa led a successful fundraising campaign on X (formerly Twitter), raising $2,100 within six hours.
The remaining $100 was given to Chaula to support his art.
Malisa described the public’s response as a powerful message to the government, showing that despite economic hardships, Tanzanians were united in defending freedom of expression.
Legal Perspectives
The case has highlighted the tension between government regulations and freedom of speech in Tanzania.
Police arrested Chaula in Ntokela village near Mbeya, accusing him of using “strong words” against President Samia.
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Some legal experts argued that Chaula did not break any laws by burning the president’s picture, and his conviction was seen as an attempt to stifle dissent.
Lawyer Peter Kibatala praised the social media users for not only securing Chaula’s release but also standing up for freedom of expression.
Government Response
Since coming to power in 2021, President Samia has introduced reforms to enhance political and civic freedoms.
However, opposition and rights groups have expressed concerns about a potential return to repressive tactics.
Chaula, grateful for the overwhelming support, told journalists, “Thank you very much, fellow Tanzanians, for coming to my rescue.”
