Yemen Observer: http://www.yobserver.com
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Written By: Observer staff
Article Date: Feb 13, 2008 - 7:22:52 AM
Al-Qaeda have threatened to kill singer Asalah Nasri if she continues with her concert that is scheduled in Aden February 14, coinciding with Valentine's Day, as stated in a press release that al-Qaeda circulated to several media outlets. The organizers responded that the date has nothing to do with Valentine’s and that it was chosen due to the school midterm holidays and the weekend.
The press release called on all Yemeni citizens to stand against practices such as public concerts, saying that they are considered a breach against Islamic Sharia law. "We warn Asalah that if she does not change her mind about this concert, she will suffer the same [fate] as Benezir Bhutto."
The statement did not mention the other singer who is slated to perform with Asalah, Esam Kareka.
Official Yemeni security sources have questioned the seriousness of these threats.
The deputy governor of Aden, however, said that the interior ministry should take these threats seriously.
A group of Yemeni religious scholars issued a statement two months ago denouncing concerts and women images in advertisements, saying that they are banned and forbidden according to their fatwa. This statement was hung on the walls and entrances of many mosques throughout the country.
The al-Qaeda threats came after Islah representative in Parliament severely attacked the organizers of the concert, and said that he considered the government's support of such events shameful. The Islah MP also accused the government of "dancing on the agonies of the citizens" and using public monies for violations of Sharia law.