Tunisian Rapper, Jailed for Insulting Police, Now Released

Was sentenced to two years in prison last month

A Tunisian rapper jailed for two years for a song in which he insulted the police will be freed on appeal, to the relief of his supporters who hailed Tuesday's ruling as a victory for freedom of expression.

Ala Yaacoubi, who goes by the rap name Weld El 15, was imprisoned on June 13 for a song he wrote called "The Police are Dogs," and the Tunis court of appeal on Tuesday reduced the jail term to a six-month suspended sentence, allowing him to go free.