A Tanzanian portrait artist, who was accused of burning a photo of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has been sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of USD 2,000 after being found guilty of cybercrimes, writes BBC.

Shadrack Chaula was arrested for allegedly recording a viral video, showing him burning a picture of President Hassan while verbally insulting her.

The 24-year-old painter admitted committing the crime and failed to defend his action in court. His arrest sparked legal controversy, with some lawyers saying that no law was broken in burning the picture.

Some social media users have started an online drive to raise money to pay Chaula’s fine so he can be freed from jail. Police said Chaula used “strong words” against the president in the video he posted on his TikTok account on 30 June in Ntokela village, in the south-western city of Mbeya.

Local police Chief Benjamin Kuzaga on Tuesday told journalists that the artist’s offences included burning the president"s portrait and disseminating offensive content online.

“It is not the culture of Mbeya people to insult our national leaders”, - Kuzaga said.

Some lawyers said there was no law that criminalises burning a picture of the president.