Tanzania: Prominent MP jailed five months

By DAILY NEWS Reporter

Mbeya Resident Magistrate's Court has sentenced Mbeya Urban Member of Parliament Joseph Mbilinyi alias Sugu and Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) Southern Highlands Secretary, Emmanuel Masonga to five months in jail for using abusive language against the President.

Delivering the judgement today (Monday), the presiding Magistrate, Michael Mteite agreed with prosecution that the duo should be given deterrent punishment.
But the defense lawyer Peter Kibatala asked the court to give Sugu and Masonga an alternative sentence but Magistrate Mteite didn't rule in their favour.