By Thomas Murphy
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
TUNIS, Tunisia – Rappers Ala Yaacoubi, known as “Weld El 15”, and Ahmed Ben Ahmed, known as “Klay BBJ”, were sentenced to twenty-one months in prison on Monday. The two were convicted of insulting the police and undermining public decency after their performance at a concert in Hammamet on August 22.
The court’s ruling was in absentia as neither rapper appeared for trial. According to the rappers’ defense lawyer, Ghazi Mrabet, the two artists were never summoned to appear.
“We are surprised by this verdict…Our clients have not been summoned for trial as it is stipulated by law,” Mrabet told the privately-owned radio station Mosaique FM.
Following the concert, the artists were detained by police and questioned before being released. Mrabet added that his clients were physically assaulted by police during the detainment and that a doctor had documented Yaacoubi’s injuries.
Yaacoubi made headlines in June after he was convicted of insulting police and sentenced to two years in prison for his song “Police Are Dogs” (Boulicia Kleb). The anti-police song has a music video that contains a montage of police beatings. After outrage from various human rights and censorship groups, such as Human Rights Watch, Yaacoubi had his sentenced reduced to six months and suspended.
The authorities have accused Yaacoubi and Ahmed of performing “Police Are Dogs” at the August 22 concert. Varying reports have Mrabet denying that his clients performed the anti-police song to admitting that an excerpt was played.
Both rappers remain in hiding while they await the appeal process, despite demands to turn themselves in. Mrabet was adamant that the court’s decision violated free speech and would be appealed.
“I will speak to my clients to challenge this ruling, but jail sentences demonstrate that the relentless campaign against artistic freedom, freedom of expression, continues,” said Ghazi Mrabet, quoted by the AFP news agency.
Prime Minister Ali Larayedh denied that freedom of expression is an issue in Tunisia, pointing to Yaacoubi’s June conviction “for inciting hatred and calling for the death of police and magistrates”.
For further information, please see:
Index On Censorship – Tunisian rappers convicted of “insulting public servants” after concert arrest – 4 September 2013
ABC – 21 Months Prison for 2 Tunisian Rappers – 2 September 2013
BBC – Tunisian rapper Weld 15 sentenced again – 2 September 2013
allAfrica – Tunisia – a New Prison Sentence for the Rappers “Weld 15” and “Klay” – 2 September 2013
Human Rights Watch – Tunisia: 2 Years in Prison for a Song – 15 June 2013
