A prominent Polish rapper has been cleared of inciting violence by a Poznan court. The ruling follows two other brushes with the law for the artist.

Ryszard Andrzejewski, better known as 'Peja' from the Slums Attack rap crew, had the latest case brought against him by former MP Ryszard Nowak.

In November 2009, Nowak had attempted to organise a picket outside a concert by the rapper in the town of Leszno, Central Poland.

'Peja has works in his repertuar in which he announces the beating of children and policemen,' Nowak argued.

'These songs are mainly directed at young music fans, on whom they have a great influence.'

However, when the court studied the songs played at the specific concert in question, they could find no incriminating evidence.

'The accused once performed such works,' said the rapper's lawyer, Zbigniew Krueger. 'But that was over a dozen years ago, and currently – like all men – he has matured, and he does not perform such works anymore.'

The ruling echoes the findings of a Leszno court, in November 2010.

Previous conviction

Nowak's case followed hot on the heels of another, more controversial incident from September 2009, when a teenager was beaten at a concert by the artist in the town of Zielona Gora.

Mobile telephone footage beamed by a TV news station had shown Peja calling on fans to deal with a member of the audience who had shown him the middle finger.

'You know what to do with him,' the rapper declared.

The young man in question was heavily beaten. In April the following year, the rapper was found guilty of inciting violence and was ordered to pay a 6000 zloty fine (1500 euros) as well as 5000 zloty damages (1250 euros) to the victim.

The rapper offered a full apology for his actions. (nh)

Source: PAP