This archive report was first published on 31 October 2019.
On October 30, 2019, popular Tanzanian comedian Idris Sultan was summoned to a police station in Dar es Salaam, where he remains in custody.
According to his lawyer, Eliya Rioba, Sultan was being held under the Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits the impersonation of another person.
The comedian had shared two photos on social media, one showing President Magufuli's head atop Sultan's likeness and the other showing Sultan's face on Magufuli's body.
Sultan wrote in Swahili, 'We swapped roles for a day so that he could enjoy his birthday in peace.'
President Magufuli celebrated his 60th birthday on October 29, 2019.
Rights activists have criticized the law, saying it infringes on freedom of expression.
If convicted, Sultan could face up to seven years in prison.
