Mon, 28 May 2012
| Index | Last | Var.(%) |
|---|---|---|
| BEL 20 | 2115.83 | -0.17 |
| DAX | 6321.62 | -0.29 |
| IBEX 30 | 6399.3 | -2.20 |
| CAC 40 | 3042.55 | -0.18 |
| FTSE 100 | 5351.91 | 0.01 |
| AEX | 292.59 | -0.06 |
| DJIA | 12454.83 | -0.60 |
| Nasdaq | 2837.53 | -0.07 |
| FTSE MIB | 13034.2 | -0.92 |
| TSX Composite | 11550.79 | -0.22 |
| ASX | 4120.2 | 0.96 |
| Hang seng | 18800.99 | 0.47 |
| Straits Times | 2787.22 | 0.52 |
| ISEQ 20 | 502.16 | 0.24 |
Text size
MC beats the rap in French courtA French court on Monday threw out a case brought by a ruling party deputy against a rap artist accused of insulting the French nation in his lyrics.
Daniel Mach filed suit against rapper Monsieur R, real name Richard Makela, last year, accusing him of "outrage to social decency" over a song whose lyrics describe France as a "bitch" to be "screwed until she drops."
He accused the rapper of "disseminating a violent, pornographic or undignified message that is accessible to minors" in the song, in which he also threatens to "piss on Napoleon and the General de Gaulle."
*quote1*The song's video clip shows bare-chested women in alluring poses, and a montage of images criticising French policies in its former colonies and the high-immigration suburbs hit by rioting last year.
The court ruled that the deputy was not qualified to bring charges against the rapper, since he was not the father of minor children and therefore had no personal interest in the case.
"Today's verdict is a victory for freedom of expression," Makela told reporters following the hearing south of Paris.Monsieur R was one of six French rap and hip-hop outfits accused of inciting racism and hatred in a petition signed by more than 200 French lawmakers in the wake of November's riots.
Backers of the initiative argued that rap music — which has long been used to protest about life in France's run-down suburbs, littered with references to police harassment and discrimination — helped to provoke the riots.
*quote2*Deputies of the ruling centre-right UMP party recently submitted a bill in parliament aimed at securing convictions against rap artists who incite "anti-white" hatred in their lyrics.
But rights groups condemn such moves, saying hip-hop music is a legitimate and important artistic outlet for young people in immigrant communities.
Last week a French court confirmed the acquittal of another French rap artist, Sniper, who was sued by the interior ministry over a song denouncing police as "murderers." The prosecution has said it will appeal.
June 2006
Copyright AFP
Subject: Living in France
Meet the most eligible interÂnationals in France at Expatica Date!
Join Expatica's online community to reach out for expats just like you!
Stay up to date with the news, without having to speak the local language.
This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes information on business hierarchy, negotiations, and etiquette.
A listing of organizations in the Paris area that cater primarily to Americans living in France. Updated April 2011.
Our handy guide to the British community in Paris, from cricket clubs to Scottish country dancing lessons to where to find a jar of Marmite.
Here's a short introduction to our Banking section for those living in France, from how to open a bank account to Islamic banking and investments.
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Google+
0
