BRAZILIAN ROCK BAND INCARCERATED FOR IMPROPER LYRICS
A Brazilian rock & roll band called "Planet Hemp" was arrested in Sao Paulo this week on charges that their
lyrics were supportive of the use of maconha (marijuana). According to Folha de Sao Paulo, a Brazilian newspaper, civil authorities had been studying the group's lyrics for the
past year, and came to the conclusion that their content was in violation of Narcotics law (6.368) for "supporting and associating with the use of drugs."
Band members were taken into custody following a show before 7,000 fans in Brasilia, which was recorded by authorities as evidence. The law under which band members have been charged does not allow for bail, and carries a penalty of between three and fifteen years imprisonment.
R.O.C. thinks this is an outrage that must be addressed. It's a
dangerours situation when a band can be arrested for what they sing about, regardless of what that subject is. We feel this action MUST be protested in the strongest terms. We urge everyone to contact the Embassy of Brazil here in the US and let them know how you feel about this act. This folks goes far beyond any act of censorship, this smacks of outright fascism. Is this what's on the horizon for us here in the US? You bet it is. Wake up and do something NOW!
WRITE, PHONE, FAX or E-Mail the EMBASSY OF BRAZIL
AND VOICE YOUR PROTEST.
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