The interior ministry in eastern Libya have imposed new restrictions on rap music, forcing artists to ask for permission from the culture ministry and other relevant authorities before performing or sharing any rap songs in the territory.
In its decision, the interior ministry pointed to “the spread of rap songs, some of which contain obscene words, that violate the moral values of the Libyan Muslim society”.
It also accused these songs of exploiting minors and encouraging people to commit felonies, adding that they might “incite [children] under the age of eighteen to prostitution or encourage them to do so, or encourage the idea of suicide, or rebel against the family and society”.
The ministry then declared that it is now forbidden to present “theatrical, acting, musical, dancing or singing performances in any place or through any means” without obtaining the necessary approval.
East Libyan authorities say this decision is in line with the country’s laws, adding that Libya’s constitution obliges the state to respect human rights, freedoms and freedom of expression “provided that this does not violate public morals or conflict with the true Islamic religion, as Libyan law stipulates the preservation of public morals”.
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A revolutionary art
Rap has an important history in Libya, as it became an important tool of expression during the country’s revolution-turned-civil-war that overthrew longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Libya reinstates morality police to enforce ‘society’s traditions’
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The genre was used to rally and encourage the country’s youth to revolt against the former president but has faced many challenges during Libya’s turbulent years following Gaddafi’s overthrow.
Youssef Ramadan Said, a prominent Libyan rapper known as MC Swat, had to escape his country in 2017 following years of trouble with authorities in eastern Libya.
At the time, he told Middle East Eye that he faced numerous arrests, raids to his home and other forms of harassment due to his work and political views.
“I wish every day that everything ends in Libya and I am able to go back home and stay with my mother and father,” he said.
The latest developments follow a string of restrictions imposed by Libya’s eastern government, including a ban on New Year festivities last month, saying they were contrary to Sharia law.
Libya’s Government of National Unity, based in the western side of the country, also recently imposed new sets of rules, bringing back the morality police to enforce “society’s traditions”.
According to the Tripoli-based government, the patrols were reinstated to target things such as “strange” haircuts, enforce “modest” clothing and require male guardians for women.
