In an unusual turn of events in the Dominican Republic, authorities have detained a 64-year-old woman whose rendition of the national anthem went viral on social media. Amarilis Brito Rodríguez caught the public’s eye when she performed the anthem in a high-energy, urban style known as dembow during a karaoke session at a local eatery.
The arrest came after a police report on Tuesday accused Brito of showing disrespect to the national anthem by giving it a modern twist at a restaurant named “Mofongo & Variedades Eddy.” The incident, captured on video, shows Brito holding the microphone confidently while emphasizing each lyric with a raised hand and swaying to the lively beat, as some patrons joined in the spirited performance earlier this month.
Authorities tracked Brito down to her residence in the San Víctor municipality and took her into custody on Monday. As she was escorted handcuffed into a government building, Brito expressed her remorse with a smile, telling reporters, “Sorry, sorry.”
Brito explained that she composed her unique version of the anthem 22 years ago, noting that at the time, there were no regulations against such interpretations. Her arrest has sparked conversations about artistic expression and respect for national symbols.
âSorry, sorry,â she told reporters with a smile as she was led, handcuffed, into a government building.
Brito said she had written the version she sang 22 years ago, and that there was no law back then prohibiting that kind of interpretation.
But police said she violated Article 37 of Law 210-19 regarding national symbols in the Dominican Republic, âwhich defines acts of outrage against our National Anthem.â
The law states that it is illegal to change the anthemâs lyrics and musical tempo; to turn it into a danceable music piece or dance while itâs being performed; and to sing or play it at a posthumous ceremony of an individual who lacks certain attributes.
If found guilty of the charge, she could face several months in prison and a fine.
Brito said she was not aware that she had made a mistake.
âI used the anthemâs verses to express my free spirit,â she told reporters. âI comply with what the law says, but I donât regret it because I donât feel I did any harm.â
When asked whether she would apologize to the country, Brito smiled.
âForgive me, my country, forgive me in every way I need to ask,â she said.
âNow,â she added, as she raised her shackled hands, âitâs much easier to ask for forgiveness than it was to ask for permission.â
Many on social media have criticized her, saying the anthem should be respected.
Others criticized police, saying they should address more pressing issues like violent crime and corruption.
