Shadrack Chaula, a 24-year-old artist known for his painting skills, was arrested after recording a video in which he verbally criticized President Samia Suluhu Hassan and subsequently burned an image depicting her.
According to Mr. Benjamin Kuzaga, the Regional Police Commander for Mbeya, the incident occurred on June 30 at Ntokela Village, Rungwe District. Chaula, who resides in Ntokela Village, Ndato Ward, was found guilty of burning a picture depicting President Samia Suluhu Hassan, an act considered unethical in Tanzania.
“The suspect, an artist, committed the offense of burning a portrait of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Such actions go against our country’s laws and cultural norms,” stated Kuzaga, although specific laws violated were not detailed by the police.
Commenting on the legality of the act, lawyer Matojo Cossota from Dar es Salaam mentioned that burning an image of the president itself does not breach any laws, but if shared on social media or made public, it could lead to charges such as inciting hate.
Mbeya Regional Commissioner Mr. Juma Homera instructed the police to apprehend Chaula after a video surfaced online showing him making derogatory remarks about the President and burning her portrait.
“After identifying the video clip containing the suspect’s offensive statements and actions, we launched an investigation and subsequently arrested him,” added Kuzaga.
Currently, Chaula is being interrogated by police to determine the motives behind his actions, with ongoing investigative procedures aimed at gathering additional evidence.
“We are preparing the case file to submit to the Prosecutor’s Office to ensure the suspect faces legal consequences for offenses against the President, including burning her portrait and disseminating offensive content online,” explained Kuzaga.
Previously, Juma Homera condemned Chaula’s behavior, stressing that such actions toward national leaders are unacceptable.
Local resident Salma Ally expressed concern over the incident, urging authorities to take decisive action to prevent similar acts in the future.
“The gravity of this incident cannot be overstated. It is unacceptable for anyone to publicly insult our Head of State and commit such disrespectful acts,” remarked Ally.
