Tanzanian Businesswoman Faces Death Penalty Over Viral Dance Challenge Video

A 31-year-old Tanzanian businesswoman is facing treason charges that carry the death penalty after participating in a viral social media challenge, in what human rights advocates are calling a stark example of the country’s escalating crackdown on dissent.

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Jenifer “Niffer” Jovin was arrested and charged with two counts of treason, conspiracy to damage infrastructure, and incitement during the general election period. Her alleged crime: appearing in a video for the “Nywinywi” Challenge, a social media trend that swept through East Africa in recent weeks.

The challenge features participants using the Swahili phrase “Hakutakuwa na nywinywi, nywinywi wala nywinywinyi,” loosely translated as “there will be no more trouble”. What began as a seemingly innocuous social media trend has been interpreted by Tanzanian authorities as politically charged content linked to post-election protests.

According to her legal representative, Jovin was subjected to physical abuse while in police custody. Her lawyer stated in court that she was assaulted by police officers and coerced into signing a statement. The allegations add to mounting concerns about the treatment of detainees in Tanzania following the disputed October 29 election.

The lawyer further revealed that on November 5, twenty-one of Jovin’s co-accused displayed visible signs of injury during court proceedings. Some were observed limping, while others bore what appeared to be gunshot wounds, raising serious questions about the conditions under which the accused are being held and interrogated.

Jovin’s case has drawn international attention as an example of what critics characterize as the government’s increasingly aggressive response to any form of perceived opposition. The treason charges against her represent some of the most serious accusations that can be levied under Tanzanian law, with conviction potentially resulting in capital punishment.

Human rights organizations have expressed alarm at the use of treason laws against individuals participating in social media trends. Legal experts note that treason charges typically require evidence of attempting to overthrow the government or engaging in acts of war against the state—allegations difficult to reconcile with participation in a dance challenge video.

The arrest is part of a broader wave of detentions following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s landslide re-election victory, which opposition parties boycotted amid allegations of electoral fraud. More than 240 people have been arrested on various charges including treason, with authorities characterizing post-election protests as attempts to destabilize the government.

The “Nywinywi” Challenge gained popularity across social media platforms in the weeks leading up to and following the election. While many participants viewed it as harmless entertainment, the phrase’s message of rejecting excuses appears to have been interpreted by authorities as political commentary critical of the government.

Jovin’s case has sparked outrage both within Tanzania and internationally, with activists pointing to it as evidence of the government’s willingness to use extreme legal measures to silence even mild forms of expression that could be construed as critical.

International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for the immediate release of individuals arrested for peaceful expression and have demanded investigations into allegations of torture and mistreatment in custody.

The use of treason charges against social media participants marks a concerning escalation in Tanzania’s approach to online content. Critics argue that such prosecutions create a chilling effect on free expression and digital communication in the country.

As of publication, Tanzanian government officials have not responded to requests for comment on the torture allegations or the appropriateness of treason charges in relation to social media activity.

Jovin remains in custody awaiting trial, facing charges that could result in the death penalty if she is convicted.

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