Freemuse calls for charges dropped against Mwanacotide

Fulgency Mapunda aka Mwanacotide

The World's Leading Organization Advocating Freedom of Expression for Musicians calls for Authorities in Tanzania to drop charges against two musicians

Musician Mwana Cotide (real name: Fulgency Mapunda) and music producer Mussa Sikwabe are set to go trial on 9 November 2016 on charges that their recent song ‘Dikteta Uchwara’ (Petty Dictator) contains “seditious and offensive” content towards Tanzanian President John Magufuli. The artists are also charged with “distributing the song with intent to offend” the president under the controversial 2015 Cybercrimes Act after they uploaded the song on YouTube.

Ahead of the trail, Freemuse calls for the charges against Cotide and Sekabwe to be dropped and have sent a letter to Dr. Harrison George Mwakyembe, Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, and the following Tanzanian officials:

• Mwigulu Nchemba, Minister for Home Affairs
• Dr. Augustine Mahiga, Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation
• Biswalo Mganga, Director of Public Prosecution
• Ernest Mangu, Inspector General of Police
• Peter Allan Kallaghe, High Commission of Tanzania in London
• Her Excellency, Dora Msechu, Embassy of Tanzania located in Stockholm

Source and to read the full letter click HERE