Khaberni - On Saturday, September 27, the Comoros witnessed the trial of rap singer Anrethi Mohamed Said, known artistically as Titi Lo Forbp, following weeks of controversy sparked by video clips he posted on social media platforms.
The criminal court in Moroni issued a verdict sentencing the artist to one month of suspended imprisonment, in addition to a fine of one thousand euros, after convicting him of "disturbing public order".
The prosecution had requested a similar penalty, with a fine of up to one million Comorian francs, approximately 2600 US dollars.
The case dates back to a video filmed at Hahaya International Airport, featuring the artist holding a rifle he claimed was "not real," as part of the promotion for a new musical work.
Although he faced a penalty of up to 5 years, he left the court a free man amidst cheers from hundreds of his supporters who chanted his name and carried him on their shoulders.
Controversial Arrest
The authorities arrested Titi on September 23, as he was preparing to travel to Senegal for a concert, two weeks after the video was posted, a move that drew criticism from his artistic circle. His producer, Abu Bakr Said Turki, considered that "the timing of the arrest deprived him of an important opportunity in his rising career", wondering why he was not summoned immediately after posting the video or shortly after returning from abroad.
For his part, the artist's lawyer, Nasser, considered that "the most important thing is that his client was released," confirming that the defense team will not appeal the verdict, and added that his client "will learn from this experience, which was not simple."
Titi himself expressed regret, explaining that the video was merely a means to promote a new musical work dedicated to the late American rapper Tupac Shakur, and he did not expect to end up in court because of it.
Between Freedom of Expression and the Country's Image
In its closing arguments, the public prosecution emphasized the "severity" of the artist's actions, considering that his appearance with the weapon, even if fake, damages the country's image and threatens public peace.
In contrast, his supporters believe that the case reveals the fragility of the relationship between artistic freedom of expression and legal restrictions in the Comoros.
