East Libya authorities restrict rap music for violating 'moral values'

The Eastern Libyan Ministry of Interior has recently imposed new restrictions on rap music, requiring artists to obtain permission from the Ministry of Culture and other relevant departments before performing or sharing any rap songs. This move has sparked widespread concern and reflects the strict control over cultural expression in the region.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior pointed out that some rap songs contain obscene language that violates the moral values of Libyan Muslim society. They also accused these songs of exploiting minors and encouraging people to commit criminal acts, even potentially "inciting children under 18 to prostitution or encouraging them to do so, or encouraging suicidal thoughts, or rebellion against family and society."

The department subsequently announced a ban on "theatrical, performance, musical, dance, or singing performances" in any place or by any means without the necessary approvals. Eastern Libyan authorities stated that this decision is in accordance with the country's laws and emphasized that the Libyan constitution stipulates the state's obligation to respect human rights, freedom, and freedom of expression, "provided that it does not violate public morals or conflict with true Islam, as Libyan law stipulates the maintenance of public morals."

Rap has significant historical importance in Libya, becoming an important tool of expression during the 2011 revolution that overthrew long-time ruler Gaddafi and transitioned into civil war. The music genre was used to mobilize and encourage the country's youth to revolt against the former president, but in the turbulent years following Gaddafi's overthrow, rap has faced many challenges. A prominent Libyan rapper named MC Swat, Youssef Ramadan Said, was forced to flee the country in 2017 after years of conflict with Eastern Libyan authorities due to his work and political views.

According to him, he faced multiple arrests, house searches, and other forms of harassment at the time. He once told Middle East Eye, "Every day I hope everything in Libya will end and I can go home and be with my parents." These recent developments come after a series of restrictions imposed by the Eastern Libyan government, including a ban on New Year celebrations last month, citing violations of Islamic law.

The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity in western Libya has also recently implemented a series of new regulations, reinstating morality police to enforce "social traditions." According to the Tripoli government, the patrols have been re-established to target things like "strange" hairstyles, enforce "modest" dress codes, and require women to have male guardians. These measures indicate that control in the social and cultural spheres is intensifying in Libya.