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Tanzanian comedian freed on bail after Magufuli face-swap

Friday November 01 2019

Police considering charging Idris Sultan under the controversial Cybercrimes Act.

IN SUMMARY

  • Police were considering charging his client under the controversial Cybercrimes Act, he said.
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Popular Tanzanian comedian Idris Sultan has been freed on bail after sharing face-swap photos of himself and President John Magufuli, his lawyer, Benedict Alex Ishabakaki, told the BBC.

Sultan had been questioned at a police station in the main city of Dar es Salaam after he was summoned on Wednesday.

However, he is expected back at the police station on Friday, Mr Ishabakaki said.

Police were considering charging his client under the controversial Cybercrimes Act, he said.

The law forbids using a computer system to "impersonate" someone else and the publication of false information.

Sultan, a one-time winner of Big Brother Africa, had on Wednesday shared two photos: one showed Mr Magufuli’s head atop Sultan’s likeness - complete with braces, arms folded and sleeves rolled up; the other had the comedian’s face on Mr Magufuli’s body - suited and seated in presidential chair with the national seal.

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