Karaoke Singer Arrested for Singing Dominican Republic National Anthem in Dembow Style

Karaoke Singer Arrested for Singing Dominican Republic National Anthem in Dembow Style

Police in the Dominican Republic arrested a 64-year-old woman after a video of her singing the national anthem to a dembow beat went viral on social media. Amarilis Brito Rodríguez was charged with violating regulations on national symbols while performing at a karaoke session at a restaurant in the city of San Víctor.

The video captured Brito Rodríguez holding a microphone, swaying to the fast-paced rhythm, with some patrons singing along. A few days after the clip went widely viral, police identified her residence and proceeded with the arrest.

The police report charged her with violating Article 37 of Law 210-19 on national symbols. This provision prohibits altering the lyrics or rhythm of the national anthem, as well as turning the anthem into dance music or engaging in acts deemed disrespectful. If convicted, Brito Rodríguez could face several months in prison and a fine.

Brito stated that the version she performed was written 22 years ago, and at that time there were no regulations prohibiting this style of rendition. When being escorted by police, she told reporters that she did not know she had committed an offense. She argued that using the anthem lyrics in this way expressed personal freedom and caused no harm.

When asked about apologizing, Brito expressed:

"I ask the country to forgive me, forgive me in every way I need to ask."

She also added that asking for forgiveness is easier than asking for permission.

Reactions on social media were divided over the incident. Some argued that the national anthem must be respected according to regulations. However, many others felt that authorities should focus on more serious issues such as violent crime and corruption.

The incident has attracted significant attention in the Dominican Republic, highlighting the debate over the boundary between freedom of expression and the protection of national symbols. Sources for this article include the Associated Press and Dominican Republic police reports.