The arrest of Tunisian rapper Kamara on Tuesday night has reignited debates over freedom of expression and artistic censorship in Tunisia.
The detention, reported by multiple sources and cited by Business News on Wednesday, is linked to his song Khoulassa (“Summary”), in which he denounces police corruption through explicit lyrics that also reference drug use.
Kamara, known for his provocative style and unfiltered language, has recently gained prominence in the Tunisian rap scene.
Khoulassa has amassed over four million views in just a month, drawing attention for its narrative that blurs the line between fiction and lived experience.
A key passage describing an altercation with a corrupt police officer is believed to have prompted authorities to consider the song offensive.
The Ministry of Interior has yet to issue an official statement detailing the exact grounds for his arrest.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism from observers and social media users, who view it as an infringement on fundamental rights. “Kamara has committed no violence, theft, or abduction.
He is merely expressing his opinion through a text that may please or upset people, but that does not justify incarceration,” one user wrote online.
Artists and cultural activists note that the Tunisian rap scene has frequently clashed with authorities since 2011.
Several performers have previously faced charges for “insulting an officer” or “violating public morals.”
Kamara’s arrest has reignited discussions over the boundaries of artistic freedom in an environment increasingly described as repressive.
Ironically, the detention has only heightened Kamara’s visibility.
Since Tuesday night, Khoulassa has surged in popularity on YouTube in Tunisia, attracting thousands of new listeners and turning the controversy into a viral phenomenon.
The case continues to provoke debate about the balance between state authority and freedom of expression in Tunisia, and whether artistic critique can coexist with legal constraints in the country’s evolving political landscape.
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