Tunisian rapper's prison sentence is suspended
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — A lawyer for a Tunisian rap artist sentenced to two years in prison for insulting police in a song calling them dogs says he's going to be freed Tuesday after a judge suspended his prison term.
It was the second time in a week that a sentence that faced international criticism was significantly reduced in Tunisia. On June 26, three European feminists who staged a topless protest were freed after the suspension of their four-month term.
The 25-year-old rapper, Alaa Yacoub, known as Weld El 15 or Son of 15, was originally convicted in absentia in March for inciting violence against officials and insulting police. He surrendered and was retried, receiving the same two-year sentence.
His lawyer, Ghazi Mrabet, says he was given a six-month suspended sentence Tuesday on appeal.
