This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
On May 19, 2020, a video clip of Tanzanian comedian and former Big Brother Africa winner Idris Sultan laughing at an old photograph of President John Magufuli went viral on social media in Tanzania.
The video showed Mr Sultan laughing at a picture of President Magufuli wearing a suit that appears to be a few sizes too large.
According to his lawyer Bennedict Ishabakaki, Mr Sultan was detained by police on Tuesday and has been denied bail.
The police officially questioned the comedian and reality TV star on Thursday for allegedly violating the country’s Cybercrimes Act, Mr Ishabakaki said.
Mr Ishabakaki told the BBC, 'They are questioning him for allegedly contravening section 23 of the act. In a nutshell, they [the police] are accusing him of bullying the president through that video clip.'
However, Mr Ishabakaki believes that his client is only doing satire, and satire can be political as well.
Under the Cybercrimes Act, someone who initiates or sends an electronic communication with the intent to coerce, intimidate, harass or cause emotional distress can face imprisonment for at least three years or a fine of 5m Tanzanian shillings ($2,200; £1,800) – or both.
This is the second time the comedian has been detained because of his job.
Last October, he was held after sharing photo-shopped face-swap pictures of himself and the president.
