Woman Faces Prison for Karaoke Performance of National Anthem in Dominican Republic
A 64-year-old woman has been arrested in the Dominican Republic after being accused of disrespecting the national anthem during a karaoke session at a popular restaurant. Amarilis Brito Rodríguez went viral on social media after singing the anthem to the high-tempo local rhythm called dembow, leading to her detention by authorities.
Viral Video Leads to Police Action
In a video posted online earlier this month, Brito is seen clutching a microphone with one hand while raising the other to punctuate each word of the anthem. She sways slightly to the music as some customers join in the singing at the restaurant called Mofongo & Variedades Eddy. The performance quickly spread across social platforms, drawing both criticism and support from viewers.
Police located Brito days later at her home in the municipality of San Víctor and arrested her on Monday. According to authorities, she violated Article 37 of Law 210-19 regarding national symbols in the Dominican Republic, which specifically defines acts of outrage against the National Anthem.
Legal Consequences and Defendant's Response
If found guilty of the charge, Brito could face several months in prison along with a substantial fine. The case highlights the strict enforcement of laws protecting national symbols in the Caribbean nation.
When questioned by reporters as she was led handcuffed into a government building, Brito smiled and said, "Sorry, sorry." She explained that she had written the version she sang twenty-two years ago and claimed there was no law prohibiting that kind of interpretation at the time.
"I used the anthem's verses to express my free spirit," Brito told reporters. "I comply with what the law says, but I don't regret it because I don't feel I did any harm."
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The arrest has sparked significant debate on social media and within the Dominican community. Many critics argue that the national anthem should be respected in its traditional form, viewing Brito's performance as inappropriate and offensive to national pride.
Others have criticized police priorities, suggesting that authorities should focus on more pressing issues like violent crime and corruption rather than prosecuting artistic interpretations of national symbols. This case raises questions about the balance between artistic freedom and legal protections for national emblems.
When asked whether she would apologize to the country, Brito responded with characteristic defiance. "Forgive me, my country, forgive me in every way I need to ask," she said, before adding with raised shackled hands, "Now it's much easier to ask for forgiveness than it was to ask for permission."
The incident continues to generate discussion about cultural expression, legal boundaries, and the appropriate use of national symbols in contemporary society.
