The mayor of the Brussels municipality of Forest, Charles Spapens, has banned the planned concert of the American metal band Disturbed for fear of protests. That reports the Belgian newspaper The Morning Friday. A performance by Disturbed is scheduled for next Tuesday in the Amsterdam Ziggo Dome. This has not been canceled for the time being.
The reason for the Belgian decision is an action by singer David Draiman, who is known as an outspoken supporter of the Israeli army. In June, he shared a photo on social media showing him signing an artillery shell with the words “Fuck Hamas” at an Israeli army base near Gaza.
The photo sparked outrage among pro-Palestinian organizations. The local police then carried out a risk analysis and issued a negative safety advice. Fearing possible protests, counter-demonstrations and disruption of public order, the mayor decided to cancel the concert.
NEW: Give this item as a gift
As an NRC subscriber you can subscribe every month 10 items give as a gift to someone without an NRC subscription. The recipient can read the article directly, without a paywall.