In the Dominican Republic, a 64-year-old woman has been taken into custody after a karaoke performance of the national anthem went viral on social media. Amaryllis Brito Rodriguez sang the anthem to a lively local rhythm, known as denbou, at a restaurant named Mofongo & Valledades Eddy.
The police issued a report on Tuesday accusing her of showing disrespect to the national anthem by singing it in this urban style.
A video circulating online shows Brito holding a microphone in one hand while gesturing to the crowd with the other, slightly swaying to the music, as other patrons joined her in song earlier this month.
Police found Brito at her residence in San Victor days later and announced her arrest on Monday.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she told reporters with a smile while being led away in handcuffs to a government building.
Brito explained that her rendition was written 22 years ago when there were no restrictions on such performances.
However, the authorities stated she breached Article 37 of the Dominican Republic’s National Symbols Law 210-19, which outlines what constitutes disrespect toward the national anthem.
This law makes it illegal to alter the lyrics or the tempo of the anthem, and includes stipulations against turning it into a danceable tune or using it in contexts not deemed appropriate.
If found guilty, she could face several months in prison and a fine.
Brito expressed that she didn’t realize her performance was a mistake.
“I used the verse of the national anthem to express my free spirit,” she remarked. “I follow the law and I don’t regret it because I don’t think I caused any harm.”
When asked about issuing an apology to her country, she smiled and said, “Forgive me, Motherland, forgive me in all that I need to ask.”
She added, “Nowadays it is much easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission,” raising her shackled hands.
This incident sparked a mix of reactions online. While some supported her, others criticized her for not respecting the national anthem, urging authorities to focus on more pressing issues like violent crime and corruption.
