Cancellation of a ceremony for the "Leila Project" in Lebanon "to prevent bloodshed"

The festival's management, held Tuesday in the city of Byblos (north of Beirut), abandoned the concert, which was scheduled to take place on August 9, after accusing the Lebanese group of Christianity abuses, said in its statement that this resolution was "to avoid bloodshed and the maintenance of security and stability, contrary to the practices of some".

"The situation has become hysterical with direct threats to the safety of the public and artists," said AFP Naji Paz, festival director.

"The person apologizes when she is wrong and I'm not sure that these excuses will be sufficient because things are out of control and that it was necessary to make this terrible decision for us," he said. he declared.

Baz spoke of the court's request for a settlement with the officials, apologize to the group and continue the ceremony on time, but said it was very difficult.

The group leader, Hamed Snow, who is gay, posted on his Facebook page the picture of an icon in which the face of the Virgin Mary was replaced by the American singer Madonna.The group then had to face to an angry campaign and the cancellation of his concert, especially from the Maronite church. Lord. "

The Episcopal Committee of the Catholic Church in Lebanon called on the authorities and competent authorities to take "the necessary measures to prevent any possibility for anyone to touch religions and to stop this party".

"His rejection of this group and his presentation is based on his ideas and actions that are offensive to faith and religious symbols and distort the image of God as the Church has it. learned, "she said.

The state security apparatus investigated with some members of the group, then the Attorney General of Mount Lebanon, Judge Ghada Aoun, released them last Wednesday.

Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have criticized the growing pressure to cancel the concert, claiming that it was "an attack on the freedom of life." Expression and marginalized people in Lebanon ".

The Lebanese group, which is one of its gay members and offers shows in major cities around the world, has said it is the target of a "smear campaign in Lebanon aimed at undermining the freedom of life." # 39; s expression. "

Over the last decade, the "Laila Project" has sparked controversy in the region through words about oppression, social clbad, sectarianism, homophobia and gender equality.