Two Years in Prison for Singing a Song?

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A Tunisian rapper was recently sentenced to two years in prison -- for nothing more than criticizing Tunisian police violence in a song.

Singing a Song Shouldn't Land You In Prison

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Dear Indra,

Tunisian rapper Alaa Eddine Yaakoubi, better known as "Oueld El 15" ("The 15-Year-Old Boy"), was recently sentenced to two years in prison for a rap song he created in which he was accused of "insulting the police".

This is just one of many trials in Tunisia that have concluded in artists, journalists, and other individuals being charged for criticizing the government. For example, Tunisian bloggers were recently sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for writings considered offensive to Islam. Meanwhile, convicted arsonists who attempted to shoot a policeman were sentenced to just two years.

Even artists' supporters are facing abuse by the state. During Yaakoubi's trial, police forced his supporters and journalists out of the courtroom, chasing them and beating them.

These attacks on Tunisian citizens' free speech must stop immediately. Tell Tunisia to stop jailing its people for criticizing their government!