Artists in “Cops are Dogs” Video Sentenced to Prison

Rapper Ala Yaacoubi (Courtesy of Weld El 15′s official Facebook page)

The actress and the cameraman involved in the controversial “Cops are Dogs” rap video were both sentenced yesterday to six months in prison. Their incarceration will, however, be delayed.

Meanwhile, rapper Ala Yaakoubi, who performs under the name Weld El 15 and is responsible for the video, remains on the run and was sentenced to two years of imprisonment in absentia.

The artists were charged according to five articles of the Penal Code that punish those who defame police officers and contribute to civil disobedience, the blog Nawaat reported.

Actress Sabrine Klibi and cameraman Mohamed Hedi Belgueyed received their sentences at the Court of First Instance of Ben Arous, a southern suburb of Tunis.

Yaakoubi told Nawaat that he does not regret making the video and that his music appropriated language already used by the police.

“The song was issued as a response to the police’s physical and moral violence,” he said. “As an artist, I chose the violent language to criticize their violent behavior and harsh treatment. I tried to express my opinion freely thinking that Tunisia has democracy, yet I was mistaken.”

Yaakoubi said his song was inspired by his experience in prison after the 2011 revolution and treatment by police.

“‘Cops are Dogs’ is a song based on metaphors with which I wanted to send a message to policemen,” Yaakoubi said. “I wanted them to respect people so that people respect them.”

The Ministry of Justice refused to comment to Tunisia Live on the case.