The Comoros witnessed the trial of rap artist Anrithi Mohamed Said, known professionally as Titi Lo Forb, following weeks of controversy sparked by videos he posted on social media platforms.

The criminal court in Moroni sentenced the artist to one month in prison with a suspended sentence, in addition to a fine of 1,000 euros, after convicting him of “disturbing public order.”

The prosecution had demanded a similar sentence with a fine reaching one million Comorian francs, approximately 2,600 US dollars.

The case stems from a video filmed at Hahaya International Airport, where the artist appeared holding a gun he claimed was “not real,” as part of promoting a new music work.

Although the penalty he faced could have been up to five years, he left the court free, amid cheers from hundreds of his supporters who chanted his name and carried him on their shoulders.

Authorities had arrested Titi on September 23 while he was preparing to travel to Senegal to perform at a concert, two weeks after the video was published. This move sparked criticism from his artistic circle, with his producer Aboubakar Said Tourki stating that “the timing of the arrest deprived him of an important opportunity in his rising career,” questioning why he was not summoned immediately after the video was posted or upon his return from abroad.

His lawyer, Nasser, considered that “the important thing is that his client was released,” confirming that the defense team will not appeal the verdict, adding that his client “will learn from this experience which was not simple.”

Titi himself expressed regret, explaining that the video was merely a means to promote a new music work dedicated to the late American rapper Tupac Shakur, and he did not expect it to end up in court.

The public prosecution stressed in its plea the “seriousness” of the artist’s actions, considering that his appearance with a weapon, even if fake, damages the country’s image and threatens public peace.