New campaign Art Not Evidence has launched, aiming to stop rap lyrics being used as evidence.
The campaign has been pieced together by a number of music industry figures, working with the support of some MPs. Researchers from Art Not Evidence have been working working in partnership with the University of Manchester’s pioneering Prosecuting Rap project, detailing ways in which police and authorities have used rap lyrics – acts of creativity that are more often than not entirely fictional – in criminal cases.
The team have uncovered more than 70 cases in the past three years alone, involving both lesser known artists and high profile UK drill figures, such as Digga D (pictured).
Art Not Evidence launched their campaign with an open letter, signed by more than 240 key figures across music and politics. Nadia Whittome MP will table new legislation – the Creative and Artistic Expression Bill – at the next parliamentary session, aiming to enforce more stringent rules on how creative expressions can be used as evidence.
Advocates for the move include Annie Mac, Lady Chakrabarti, Kim Johnson (Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside), and Eithne Quinn.
For more on Art Not Evidence visit their online hub.
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