General
Big Brother Africa winner arraigned for laughing at Tanzanian President
Tanzanian comedian and Big Brother Africa winner Idris Sultan has appeared at a magistrate’s court this morning in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, eight days after he was arrested.
Sultan was expected to be charged with cybercrimes offences, tampering with evidence and using a Sim card registered in someone else’s name, a police spokesperson told the BBC on Monday.
But once in court, the charge sheet only mentioned the Sim card issue.
He was arrested on Tuesday last week, after a video of the comedian laughing at an old photograph of President John Magufuli wearing an oversized suit went viral on social media.
Police accused him of violating the Cybercrimes Act and bullying the president, according to his lawyer Benedict Ishabakaki.
Many social media users have re-shared the video with the hashtag #FreeIdrisSultan and set his photo as their profile picture in a show of solidarity.
READ ALSO: Pay me off if you want to end things with me Ike tells Mercy
“We must promote & support artistic freedom and creation (innovation) as a part of participatory democracy,” tweeted digital rights advocate Maxence Melo.
Last year, Sultan was held after sharing a face-swapped image of himself and the president.
His detention has served as the latest reminder of digital regulation laws that rights activists have described as harsh and infringing on freedom of expression.
-
Metro20 hours ago
Police arrest Imo man with locally made pistol
-
News21 hours ago
Police arrest twin brothers for theft in Ekiti
-
News19 hours ago
FG declares public holiday May 1
-
News24 hours ago
Nigerian doctor in UK loses license for sexual misconduct
-
Politics24 hours ago
Plateau gov launches e-governance platform for transparency, accountability
-
News23 hours ago
Boat Mishap: Army rescues 250 passengers in Rivers
-
Metro24 hours ago
Navy rescues 250 passengers from capsized boat in Rivers
-
Politics19 hours ago
Kano court to hold hearing on Ganduje’s suspension May 27