Shadrack Chaula who was accused of burning a photo of President Suluhu Samia has been sentenced to 2 years in prison or a fine of Sh5 million after being found guilty. Read More
”He was arrested after recording a video in which he verbally attacked Samia and subsequently burned her portrait”
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ToggleChaula’s Actions are in direct opposition to the cultural norms
Shadrack Chaula, a 24-year-old artist renowned for his painting abilities, was apprehended after he recorded a video in which he verbally assaulted President Samia Suluhu Hassan and subsequently burned an image of her.
Mr. Benjamin Kuzaga, the Regional Police Commander for Mbeya, confirmed on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, that the incident occurred in Ntokela Village, Rungwe District, on June 30.
Chaula, a resident of Ntokela Village in Ndato Ward, was convicted of burning the image of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, an action that is considered unethical in Tanzania.
Kuzaga declared that such actions are in direct opposition to the cultural norms and laws of our nation, Nevertheless, the police did not specify which regulations were violated.
no violation of any laws
According to Matojo Cossota, a lawyer based in Dar es Salaam, the act of burning a president’s image does not violate any laws. However, if the act is shared on social media or made public, the accused may be charged with other offenses, such as inciting hatred.
After video footage emerged online depicting Chaula making derogatory remarks against the President and burning her portrait, Mr. Juma Homera, the Mbeya Regional Commissioner, directed the police to apprehend him.
“We conducted an investigation and subsequently apprehended the suspect after identifying the video clip containing his offensive statements and actions,” Kuzaga continued.
Juma Homera had previously condemned Chaula’s actions, emphasizing that such conduct toward national leaders is intolerable.
Salma Ally, a resident of the area, conveyed her apprehension regarding the incident and urged the authorities to take immediate action to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.
“The gravity of this incident is immeasurable.” Ally remarked, “It is intolerable for anyone to publicly insult our Head of State and engage in such disrespectful behavior.”
