A court in Cameroon has sentenced one of the country's best-known singers, Lapiro de Mbanga, to three years in prison over anti-government riots.
Lapiro was convicted for taking part in riots in February that left at least 40 people dead.
The singer is the author of a song criticising constitutional reforms that will allow the President Paul Biya to seek re-election in 2011.
Lapiro's wife denied that her husband had taken part in the riots.
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Mbanga was one of several Cameroonian towns that saw riots in February over the high cost of living and the constitutional reform.
Lapiro's supporters have said the 51-year-old singer is victimised for his songs, which often criticise the government.
He has stood as a candidate for the opposition Social Democratic Front in local elections, AFP reported.
President Biya has been in power since 1982.
(BBC)
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