Dokki Misdemeanour Court sentenced a student from Mashrou Leila concert to 6 years in prison & EGP 300 over ’practices of debauchery’, according to state-owned newspaper Al-Ahram. Police arrested seven concert-goers in Cairo on Monday after they raised a rainbow flag during a performance by Lebanese rock band Mashrou’ Leila over the weekend, security sources say. In a rare and public display of solidarity with the LGBTQ community, video footage of the flag being raised prompted wide-spread debates throughout the capital, and resulted in multiple arrests. Sources said that those in custody are being held over charges of “promoting sexual deviancy,” a phrase used interchangeably with homosexuality by Egypt’s governing authority, after they had been seen raising the flag. Alternative rock band Mashrou’ Leila, whose lead vocalist is openly gay, has not yet responded to news of the arrests. #Cairo! This was one of the best shows we’ve ever played! Was an honour to play to such a wonderful crowd! So much love! <3 #مشروع_ليلى pic.twitter.com/OX9YAXXfeD — Mashrou’ Leila (@mashrou3leila) 23 September 2017 In a recent statement, however, a representative from Egypt’s Musicians Syndicate said that the band will be…
Seven Arrested for Raising Rainbow Flag During Mashrou’ Leila Concert
September 26, 2017
