"To avoid bloodshed". The controversy surrounding the "Laila project" in Lebanon intensified after the latter's abolition

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – The controversy over the Lebanese Laila project, scheduled for August 9, has intensified after the announcement by the Beblos Festival in Lebanon of the cancellation of the concert threats and objections to the group.

"In an unprecedented step and following the successive developments, the committee was forced to stop the Layla project, prevent bloodshed and maintain security and stability, contrary to the practices of some, we regret that that has happened and we apologize to the public, "said the official Lebanese news agency.

While the festival committee, via its Facebook page, said Tuesday that "with anger and sadness, we had to decide to cancel Layla's project ceremony." "In agreement with the group, we decided that the safety of artists and the public should remain the first priority," said the committee.

For its part, the Laila project said in a statement that "the circumstances in which we unfolded, which culminated in the decision of the Byblos International Festival Committee to cancel the ceremony, were very harsh and stressful, and we felt the fragility of the situation in Lebanon ". The group discussed the campaign against them after announcing their participation in the festival, adding that "the campaign had reached the level of direct threat and blood wastage".

The uproar continued after the cancellation of the Laila project and the escalation of the debate on freedoms and tolerance in Lebanon. Many commentators have criticized the decision to cancel the concert and threaten the group through social media.

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